Five unheralded Texas players to watch this weekend
There will be plenty of focus on the big-name players like Tyrone Swoopes, Malcolm Brown, Johnathan Gray, Cedric Reed, Jordan Hicks and Quandre Diggs. These players need to perform on the big stage if Texas hopes to win versus the Oklahoma Sooners in the Red River Shootout.
Sometimes in a game like this, however, it is a lesser-known player that makes a play to spark his team. Think Marcus Johnson and Chris Whaley from last season’s game. Who can be that player this year? Let’s look at five unheralded Texas players who could put their own stamp on the game.
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- Alex de la Torre
Texas has had its share of big name running backs play in this game. Ricky Williams, Jamaal Charles, Cedric Benson, Malcolm Brown and Johnathan Gray have run hard in this rivalry game. De la Torre will never be mistaken for any of these players. The fullback doesn’t touch the ball very often, which makes him a perfect decoy. He did have a 23-yard catch against the Baylor Bears when Texas was deep in its own end. The fullback could be Texas’ secret weapon on a trick play.
- Caleb Bluiett
Bluiett has started the last two games at defensive end. Against the Bears, Bluiett had six tackles and one of Texas’ three sacks against Bryce Petty. With Desmond Jackson out for the season, Vance Bedford needs others to step up and fill the void. More importantly, Bluiett needs to make his presence felt in order to alleviate some of the pressure on Cedric Reed. Bluiett could be one of those unsung heroes with a key sack or fumble recovery when the Texas defense needs it the most.
- Lorenzo Joe
The passing attack hasn’t done much since David Ash left the starting lineup. Swoopes has his favorite targets, including Jaxon Shipley and John Harris, but he struggles with accuracy and decision-making under pressure. The other receivers haven’t had a chance to make an impact this season. Joe could change that. He has good size at 6-foot-2. A quarterback in high school, Joe is still learning the position. Nevertheless he is athletic enough to make the transition. And remember, it was in this game that a relatively unknown Johnson hauled in a 59-yard touchdown pass from Case McCoy. Could Joe duplicate this feat?
- Taylor Doyle
The Texas offensive line is a mess. No one is dominating the line of scrimmage. The running backs don’t have any running lanes to exploit. Injuries and suspension have resulted in three of the five starting lineman to be lost for the first five games. In an attempt to bolster the middle of the line, Joe Wickline has been working Doyle at center. Originally a tackle, Doyle offers more bulk than current starter Jake Raulerson. The thinking is a bigger line can move defensive lineman and linebackers. If Doyle can provide the push in the middle, it might help Texas run the ball a little better. And trust me, Texas wants to run the ball.
1. Geoff Swaim
You can bet Oklahoma will be keeping a close eye on Shipley and Harris. Stopping Texas’ top two targets will be in the game plan. This should open the door for someone else to catch some passes. That player could very well be Swaim. The tight end has had more passes thrown in his direction this season. Although still not a major contributor on offense, don’t be surprised if Shawn Watson calls Swaim’s number in a crucial point in the game.
After all, this is the Red River Shootout, where even a relative unknown can make a name for himself.