Texas Football: Breaking down the 2018 depth chart

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AUSTIN, TX – SEPTEMBER 09: Sam Ehlinger #11 celebrates with Patrick Vahe #77 of the Texas Longhorns after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the San Jose State Spartans at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Left Guard

Starter: Patrick Vahe, senior

Backup: Patrick Hudson, redshirt sophomore

A key spot that needs to hold up along the offensive line is at left guard. Last season, Patrick Vahe manned the position to a respective degree, but Patrick Hudson had to get some playing time too. Vahe is the set in stone starter for the Horns at left guard this fall. He needs to continue being a senior leader along this line.

Texas didn’t have quite as good of a haul at guard as it did at tackle during this past recruiting cycle. Yet, Hudson is good enough to be the next man up after Vahe departs due to lack of eligibility after the 2018 season. He could afford some more playing time and progression this year, especially if Vahe falters in pass protection.

Although, pass protection usually isn’t the weak point at left guard for the Horns. Interior offensive line blocking is huge for how Beck ran the offense last season. Beck did call too many runs up the middle for Ehlinger and Buechele last season. In effect, the reliance on Vahe and Hudson shouldn’t be as extreme this year.

More of the continuity and returning production for the Texas offensive line should take place at left guard. Both Hudson and Vahe have significant playing experience which is very valuable this year. Texas needs an insurance policy at every position on the offensive line if past seasons are any indication of injury issues.

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