The Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies have seen their historic rivalry be reborn in the SEC, but with that has also come some heated in-conference recruiting battles, another of which could be taking place this offseason.
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Texas and Texas A&M are the two early teams to watch in the race for Auburn Tigers transfer wide receiver Cam Coleman, who is arguably the most coveted player in the portal this offseason.
Irrespective of where Coleman chooses to go, he will essentially be a one-year rental with the 2027 NFL draft being the next step. But if he wants to improve his draft stock, teaming up with Arch Manning is the correct way to go.
arch Manning presents clear upgrade for Texas WR Adonai Mitchell
Table of Contents
- arch Manning presents clear upgrade for Texas WR Adonai Mitchell
- Texas Football: predicting the Two-Deep Depth Chart Post-Spring
- Conner Weigman: A Deep Dive into the Texas A&M Quarterback
Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell entered the transfer portal after the Longhorns’ CFP semifinal loss to Washington. Now, as he weighs his options, the quarterback situation at his next school will be paramount. while several programs are in the mix, a recent report suggests Mitchell is down to Texas and Texas A&M.
Coleman did not have consistent quarterback play during his two seasons at auburn and will need a major upgrade before heading to the NFL.
While Texas A&M quarterback marcel Reed offers some intrigue, it’s clear that Manning is the better option for Coleman when it comes to improved quarterback production, if his choice indeed comes down to either Texas or Texas A&M.
Manning got off to a rocky start this season but ended the year off on a high note. While leading texas to three Top-10 wins, which included a head-to-head win over Reed, he also finished the regular season with 2,942 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Texas Football: predicting the Two-Deep Depth Chart Post-Spring
Spring football has concluded for the texas Longhorns, and the coaching staff now has a clearer picture of their roster heading into the summer. While things can always change with recruiting, the transfer portal, and player growth, we can make an educated guess at what the two-deep depth chart might look like when Texas kicks off the 2024 season.
offense
* Quarterback: Quinn ewers (Starter), Arch Manning
* running Back: CJ Baxter (Starter), Jamier Jones
* Wide Receiver: Adonai Mitchell (Starter), Xavier worthy
* Wide Receiver: Isaiah bond (Starter), Johntay Cook
* Slot Receiver: Matthew Golden (Starter), Ryan Niblett
* Tight End: Ja’Tavion Sanders (Starter), Jelani McDonald
* Offensive Tackle: Cole Hutson (Starter), Cam Watts
* Offensive Guard: S’majean Franklin (Starter), Geirean Clayborn
* Center: Will Campbell (Starter), Jake Refuerzo
* Offensive Guard: Troy Yocum (Starter), Conner Stroh
* Offensive Tackle: Kelvin Banks Jr. (Starter), PJ Williams
Defense
* Defensive End: Kolby Parks (Starter), vernon Broughton
* Defensive Tackle: T’Vondre Sweat (Starter), Alfred Collins
* Defensive Tackle: Bear Alexander (starter), Sydir Mitchell
* Defensive End: Ethan Burke (Starter), Zina Umeozulu
* Linebacker: David Gbenda (Starter), Morice Blackwell
* Linebacker: Je’darian DeShazer (Starter), Liona Lefau
* Cornerback: Jelani McDonald (Starter), Austin Jordan
* Cornerback: Malik Muhammad (Starter), Javien Tovion
* Safety: Michael Taaffe (Starter), Jalen Catalon
* Safety: Pat Fields (Starter), Tyrus Thompson
Special Teams
* Kicker: Will Stone
* Punter: ryan Sanborn
* Long Snapper: Chester Graff
Key Battles to Watch:
Several positions will be hotly contested throughout fall camp. The backup quarterback spot between Arch Manning and Walker McDonald will be one to watch. On the defensive line, the rotation of defensive tackles and ends will be crucial. In the secondary, the competition at safety and cornerback will determine who steps up alongside the starters.
This two-deep is a projection based on what we saw during spring practices and the current roster composition. Expect changes as the Longhorns progress thru fall camp and prepare for the 2024 season.
Conner Weigman: A Deep Dive into the Texas A&M Quarterback
Early Career and development
Conner Weigman arrived at Texas A&M as a highly touted recruit, ranked as a four-star prospect and one of the top quarterbacks in his class. His early years were marked by a learning curve, typical for a freshman entering the competitive landscape of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). He showcased flashes of potential, demonstrating a strong arm and good decision-making in limited playing time.The 2023 season saw him thrust into the starting role due to injury,providing valuable experience and a glimpse of what he could become.
Strengths as a quarterback
Arm Talent and Deep Ball Accuracy
Weigman’s most prominent strength is his arm talent. He possesses the ability to make all the throws required at the next level, with exceptional velocity and a knack for delivering accurate passes downfield. This is evidenced by his connection with two of the SEC’s Top-5 leading receivers during the regular season.He isn’t afraid to challenge defenses vertically, and his deep ball accuracy consistently creates opportunities for explosive plays.
Pocket Presence and Mobility
While not a dual-threat quarterback in the traditional sense, Weigman exhibits good pocket presence and the ability to navigate pressure. He can subtly shift within the pocket to avoid rushers and extend plays. He also demonstrates sufficient mobility to escape the pocket when necessary, adding another dimension to his game.
Decision-Making and Football IQ
Weigman generally displays sound decision-making, especially when operating within the offense’s structure. He reads defenses effectively and makes rapid, accurate throws. His football IQ allows him to identify favorable matchups and exploit defensive weaknesses. Though, consistency in this area remains a key area for enhancement.
Areas for Improvement
Consistency and Accuracy on Short/Intermediate Throws
While his deep ball accuracy is a strength, Weigman sometimes struggles with consistency on shorter and intermediate throws. Improving accuracy on these throws will be crucial for sustaining drives and maximizing offensive efficiency. This was particularly evident in the College Football Playoff loss to Miami, where he missed several routine throws.
Decision-Making Under Pressure
Although he possesses good pocket presence, Weigman’s decision-making can be affected when facing intense pressure. He occasionally forces throws into tight windows or makes questionable decisions when hurried. Developing the ability to remain calm and make smart choices under duress is essential for his continued growth.
Reading complex Defensive Schemes
As he faces more sophisticated defensive schemes, Weigman will need to refine his ability to quickly diagnose coverages and make pre-snap adjustments. This requires a deeper understanding of defensive tendencies and the ability to anticipate defensive reactions.
performance Analysis: The Miami Playoff Game
The College Football Playoff loss to miami was a challenging outing for Weigman. The game-sealing interception in the end zone,coupled with multiple missed throws,highlighted areas where he needs to improve. However, it’s important to view this performance within the context of the overall season and his development as a young quarterback. It was a forgettable performance in a high-stakes game, but doesn’t negate his overall talent.
Key Takeaways
- Weigman possesses elite arm talent and deep ball accuracy.
- He demonstrates good pocket presence and sufficient mobility.
- Consistency on short/intermediate throws needs improvement.
- Decision-making under pressure is an area for development.
- He has the potential to be a top-tier SEC quarterback.
Looking Ahead
Conner Weigman has the potential to become a standout quarterback in the SEC. Addressing the areas for improvement outlined above will be crucial for his continued development. With continued coaching and experience, he can elevate his game to the next level and lead Texas A&M to success. The future looks bright for this talented young player.