Texas Strategy and Personnel

2009 OUTLOOK: Sure, Texas has some concerns entering the 2009 season. Losing a star defender as decorated as Brian Orakpo puts pressure on others to step up and replicate the Longhorns' fierce pass rush. But with QB Colt McCoy returning for his senior season, Texas is in good hands. This is a program on a roll under Mack Brown, one that had secured 20 commitments before spring practice concluded. Texas has an abundance of riches, and Brown knows how to manage them. It will contend, both in the Big 12 and nationally, again in 2009.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: Throughout the 2008 season, McCoy was an uncanny passer, completing 76.7 percent of his attempts to set an NCAA record. That will be tough to duplicate, particularly after losing one of his primary targets, Quan Cosby. WR Jordan Shipley does return, however, and WR James Kirkendoll is ready to break out. Developing an imposing threat at running back is the biggest challenge, and would take pressure off McCoy to beat teams with his legs, as well as his arm.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: Texas has some holes to fill, particularly at defensive end following the loss of Orakpo. Two starting linebackers and a cornerback also departed, but the Longhorns field several players who could emerge as standouts, including DE Sergio Kindle, LB Jared Norton, S Earl Thomas and the team's top tackler last season, LB Roddrick Muckelroy.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS: After using the rugby-style punt last season, the Texas staff asked P Justin Tucker to try booting the ball left-footed to prevent blocks and still kick away from dangerous return men. Texas led the Big 12 with a 39.6-yard net average last season. Other phases of special teams could use a boost, particularly the punt-return unit, which managed just an 8.2-yard average in 2008.

ROSTER REPORT:

--Two starters who participated in the spring game underwent arthroscopic surgeries to deal with lingering injuries. Both LB Jared Norton and S Blake Gideon underwent shoulder surgery.

--Another participant in the spring game who then underwent surgery was QB Sherrod Harris. The backup had his knee scoped. Norton, Gideon and Harris are all expected to be ready when preseason workouts begin Aug. 8.

--DE Sergio Kindle missed the spring game after the Texas staff opted to rest its starter. That allowed more reps for LB Alex Okafor, a freshman who enrolled in the spring so he could participate in drills.

--TB Cody Johnson missed the final week of spring practice with a pulled hamstring.