Five Questions Texas Must Answer Going into Fall Practice

Apr 19, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Kendall Sanders (right) makes a catch under pressure from linebacker Naashon Hughes (40) during the Spring Game at Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports

5. What is the team’s state of mind following the recent distractions?

Every college football program has to deal with disciplinary actions. However, not many teams dismiss or suspend six players mere days before fall practice opens. Yet, that’s what Strong did. Kendall Sanders, Montrel Meander, Joe Bergeron, Chevoski Collins, Jalen Overstreet and Josh Turner were dismissed from the team (Turner has since been reinstated after meeting with Strong). Three more players – Daje Johnson, Kennedy Estelle and Desmond Harrison – are said to be on their last strike. All of this was preceded by four players making the news for having dinner with an agent, an NCAA violation which Texas self-reported.

These are the kind of distractions that can derail any momentum a team has going into fall practice. It can also create a bond that propels the team through the season. Which direction this team goes is anyone’s guess at this point. If Strong has to make more roster changes between now and the season opener, it most likely means Texas will play short-handed at some positions. True freshman will see the field, even if the coaching staff would prefer to redshirt many of them.

Strong will get to see what kind of leadership he has. Cedric Reed, Quandre Diggs, David Ash and Malcolm Brown will be looked upon to set the example. Texas has lacked strong locker room leadership the last few years, and the result has been mediocre play from a roster loaded with four and five-star talent. Entitlement reigned supreme. This has to change.