Could Texas football solve one of the problems on its maligned offensive line by simply shifting around some responsibilities?
With Hayden Conner now in the NFL, Texas has failed to get consistent play at the left guard position this season. Connor Stroh has started in all five of UT’s games, but the third-year lineman was replaced by true freshman Nick Brooks, a 6-foot-7, 349-pound converted tackle, during the Longhorns’ uninspiring performance at Florida last week. Texas has also used junior Neto Umeozulu at left guard.
According to Pro Football Focus, Stroh (235 snaps), Umeozulu (73 snaps) and Brooks (44 snaps) have all received a grade of lower than 65.0 this season.
On Thursday, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian was asked if he has considered moving senior center Cole Hutson to left guard. Without any further explanation, Sarkisian acknowledged that “we’ve considered it.”
The idea isn’t that far-fetched. Hutson took over for longtime starter Jake Majors in the heart of UT’s offensive line this season, but he was primarily used as a guard over his first three years. Hutson actually started 13 times at right guard as a freshman but earned a PFF grade of 49.3 that season.
Connor Robertson has been the backup center this season. The junior started for an injured Hutson against San Houston.
Sarkisian also was asked why Umeozulu isn’t playing more. The 6-foot-4, 325-pound Umeozulu entered fall camp as a frontrunner for playing time at left guard, but has yet to start. Umeozulu’s brother, Zina, has seen almost as much playing time as a redshirt freshman on UT’s defensive line.
“We’re always looking for consistency, regardless of the position, and consistency in knowing what to do and then using the proper fundamentals and techniques to do it, and then have the ability to adjust on the move when the picture changes,” Sarkisian said. “That’s Neto, that’s every player on our team. That’s one of the base requirements of playing for us on offense, defense or special teams.”
On Saturday, Texas (3-2, 0-1) will face off with No. 6 Oklahoma (5-0, 1-0) in the 121st Red River Rivalry game. The Sooners rank fifth nationally in rushing defense (74.6 yards per game) and their 4.2 sacks per game are tied for the best average in college football.
