Texas Football: Prepare for a massive performance from Daniel Young

What he can do in Week 2

It’s weird to say, but it actually shouldn’t be too difficult for Young to at least triple his production from the first week of the season. His Week 1 effort was actually the lowest production he’s had since Texas knocked off the San Jose State Spartans last season. But Young only had four carries in that win over San Jose State last year whereas he had eight against Maryland this year.

The efficiency was usually there for Young on a weekly basis as a true freshman if nothing else. He was one of two true freshman running backs last season that averaged more than 4.5 yards per carry. Young and Toneil Carter were the running backs that looked to take the torch from Chris Warren III last year, but that hasn’t happened permanently yet.

Carter didn’t get any work in the season opener, but that should just open the door for Young to take control of this backfield in Week 2 to an even greater degree. He has the potential to put up 75-100 total yards from scrimmage this week if head Texas football coach Tom Herman gives Young a bigger role in the passing game out of the backfield.

This shouldn’t take away from the competition that Young knows he’ll face at running back this year. He had less pressure on his shoulders to succeed and more leeway to make freshman mistakes in 2017. The impact will be different if Young can’t take hold of the opportunity he has here compared to last season.