Texas Football: 3 underrated players shining in spring spotlight

Junior Angilau, OG

As one of the most improved players in the trenches on either side of the ball for the Longhorns last season, former highly coveted four-star recruit and junior offensive guard Junior Angilau is surely a player to watch in 2021. Angilau became one of the truly steady presences anchoring the offensive line in front of then senior star quarterback Sam Ehlinger last fall.

This year, Angilau is likely to be blocking for either redshirt junior quarterback Casey Thompson or sophomore Hudson Card. As the quarterback battle is still playing out, Angilau’s newfound leadership and crucial role anchoring this offensive line will have to remain steady throughout spring and fall camp.

In nearly 750 snaps played last year, Angilau allowed just two sacks, remained efficient in blocking for the run game and had only two additional quarterback hits. He had more pressure on his to perform last season and improved noticeably in most areas of his game.

It means nothing but good things for new Texas offensive line coach/offensive coordinator Kyle Flood that he’s got an emerging leader to rely upon in spring ball like Angilau. With fifth-year senior offensive guard/center Derek Kerstetter still recovering from a season-ending lower-body injury from last fall and standout redshirt junior offensive tackle Sam Cosmi entering the NFL Draft, the onus certainly is on Angilau to step up the forefront in the trenches this offseason.