Texas Football: 5 Longhorns seniors to watch in 2017
By Eric Moreno
The Tom Herman era of Texas Football is now upon us. And, while it did not get off to the most spectacular of starts, there is still a long season left to go.
While things look a little bleak right now, remember this fact…
In his first season at Alabama in 2007, Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide lost to the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks. For real, that that happened.
It would be fair to say that things have taken a turn for the better since then. That is the kind of optimism that should be felt by Longhorns fans going forward.
Another reason to be optimistic is a talented, experienced, and hungry group of seniors. You can expect Tom Herman and his staff to lean heavily on this group. Their role for Texas Football is important getting through to an even more promising 2018.
So, who are these seniors to watch in 2017?
The Top 5 Senior Longhorns in 2017
1. Poona Ford, DL (Hilton Head High School, Hilton Head, S.C.). Named one of the team’s captains this season, the 6’0”, 275-pound behemoth looks to be an anchor for the Texas defense.
Last season, the fireplug of a tackle had an impressive 42 tackles. He will be counted on in 2017 to be even more productive both in the running game and putting pressure on opposing passers, which will be crucial in the Big 12 conference.
2. Naashon Hughes, OLB (Harker Heights High School, Harker Heights, TX). Entering into his senior year, the spotlight will be on the lanky Hughes this season.
After alternating between defensive end and outside linebacker during his Longhorn career, Hughes will be firmly entrenched outside this season. He will be heavily relied upon to bring the heat on QBs this year. He has been named to the Senior Bowl watch list. And, he is eager to prove that he belongs at the next level.
3. Dorian Leonard, WR (Longview High School, Longview, TX). Big things have been expected of Leonard from the moment he set foot on the 40 acres. Last season, Leonard played in all 12 games for Texas – starting in seven. This year, Herman and his offensive staff hope he can break through even bigger and better.
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Leonard was tied for the team-lead with (gasp) three touchdown receptions in 2016 as part of the Horns anemic passing offense. In 2017, expect Shane Buechele to look his way a lot – especially when he finds himself in the dangerous slot position.
4. Tristan Nickelson, OL (Clear Falls High School, League City, TX). Since coming to Texas after a season at Navarro Junior College, Nickelson has entrenched himself on the right side of the Longhorns offensive line, earning seven starts.
While All-American Connor Williams gets most of the attention, Nickelson has quietly become one of the most dependable hosses up front. He is expected to continually battle sophomore Denzel Okafor for starting time. And, if the coaching staff has their druthers, they would have Nickelson seize control of the role.
5. Armanti Foreman, WR (Texas City, TX). Armanti Foreman, the twin brother of last year’s Doak Walker Award winner D’Onta Foreman, is looking to make his own impact in Austin this season.
Armanti started in a big way Week 1 against Maryland when he scored the first offensive TD of the season with a beautiful twisting catch and run to the endzone. It was not the first TD of the season, though, as that went to DB Holton Hill. But, Foreman opened the scoring last year against Notre Dame and he opened the offensive scoring this season against Maryland.