Texas football 2019: Depth chart and starting lineup projections
By Brett Oswalt
Texas offensive depth chart
Notable Losses: All total, the Longhorns will be without six of last year’s offensive starters, including electric wideout Lil’Jordan Humphrey, but maybe the most impactful change comes along the offensive line. Texas’ attack will be forced to move forward without left tackle Calvin Anderson — now with the New England Patriots — in addition to both starting guards. Tight end and captain Andrew Beck also moved on to the next level.
QB: Sam Ehlinger, junior | Casey Thompson, freshman (RS)
Unlike other Power Five schools competing for a shot at the playoff, the Longhorns’ quarterback situation is etched in stone. With 23 games and an improved 2018 to his name, Ehlinger is the unquestioned leader. But in case his dual-threat ways get him injured, it will be redshirt freshman Casey Thompson backing him up after Cameron Rising’s transfer. At just 195 pounds, Thompson’s dynamic ability is evident from his senior year at Newcastle High, where he ran for 861 and 8 touchdowns. True freshman Roschon Johnson will likely serve as the team’s third-string option.
RB: Keaontay Ingram, sophomore | Jordan Whittington, freshman | Daniel Young, junior
As a freshman, Ingram impressed in stretches, taking 142 carries for 708 yards and 3 touchdowns. He figures to be the number-one back in what will likely be a joint effort between him and one to two of his teammates this season. Whittington has impressed in his time with the team and is trending in the right direction. Fifth-year senior Kirk Johnson is also someone who could emerge as a piece of this running back committee.
WR: Collin Johnson, senior | Malcolm Epps, freshman (RS)
WR: Devin Duvernay, senior | Joshua Moore, sophomore
WR: D’Shawn Jamison, sophomore | Jordan Pouncey, sophomore (RS)
Even with Humphrey’s jump to the NFL, this is a rather experienced group at the top. Johnson and Duvernay combined for 109 catches, 1,531 yards and 11 touchdowns in the passing game last year, and have played in 35 and 32 games in their careers to date. Jamison and Moore projected to be the team’s third- and fourth-best contributors, but don’t dismiss the 6’6″ Epps, who could give Johnson a breather or two as the team’s big-bodied receiver.
TE: Cade Brewer, junior | Reese Leitao, sophomore
Brewer doesn’t have much experience and hauled in only a pair of catches in his sophomore year, but he’s locked into the main tight end spot. He presents Ehlinger with another big target between the numbers
LT: Samuel Cosmi, sophomore | Reese Moore, freshman (RS)
LG: Parker Braun, graduate senior | Junior Angilau, freshman (RS)
C: Zach Shackelford, senior | Rafiti Ghirmai, freshman (RS)
RG: Derek Kerstetter, junior | Tope Imade, junior
RT: Denzel Okafor, junior | Christian Jones, freshman (RS)
As previously mentioned, a lot is missing from last year’s unit. And you can add in the complications of moving Cosmi from right to left tackle. Left guard will likely be Braun’s before the season gets underway. There is a big lack of experience on the right side, but Shackelford, an experienced center, will look to keep Ehlinger on track and clean in the pocket. Depth could be an issue late in the season.