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Texas Football: 5 Most Important Freshmen for the Longhorns in 2016

By Tyler Brett

Nov 7, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; University of Texas Longhorns tight end Dominic Cruciani (48) carries out the American flag before the game against the University of Kansas Jayhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; University of Texas Longhorns tight end Dominic Cruciani (48) carries out the American flag before the game against the University of Kansas Jayhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; Morgantown, WV, USA; A Texas Longhorns helmet rests on the bench at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Morgantown, WV, USA; A Texas Longhorns helmet rests on the bench at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

Three-star offensive linemen Zach Shackleford steps in and fills a gaping hole in the middle of the Texas offensive line.

Due to the graduation of Taylor Doyle and the transfer of Jake Raulerson, Texas found itself without a center ready to step in for 2016. Shackelford has ideal size for the position at 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds and brings a bullish blocking mentality to the trenches. While he was recruited to play guard and spent his prep career out at tackle, his decision to enroll early has given him some valuable reps at center that have him prepared for the challenge this fall.

While the Horns did have the No. 3 rushing offense in the Big 12 last season, they struggled to maintain offensive momentum because of too many negative plays. They allowed nearly three sacks a game last season and a Big 12-worst seven tackles for loss per game. Finding strength in the interior of their line with Shackelford will be a huge piece of the Horns’ success this season.

Just as important as Shackelford stepping in and playing well for Texas, however, is the young man staying healthy. The incoming freshman is currently listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury that is limiting him in practice. During their first fall camp scrimmage last Saturday, Texas had to turn to converted defensive lineman Jake McMillon for first team snaps.

Next: The Next Stud from DBU

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