4 overreactions from Texas’ intrepid win over Kansas State

Offensive line is still a work in progress, but there are some building blocks in place

Depending on who new offensive line coach/offensive coordinator Kyle Flood gets back in the trenches for the Longhorns next year, this group could have at least a starting point next offseason. The first player that Texas needs to work to bring back to the Forty Acres heading into next offseason is the junior offensive guard Junior Angilau.

While Angilau did struggle through a multitude of injury issues this fall, he is the most experienced and proven offensive lineman that could return for Texas next year. Angilau reeled in the best pass blocking grade of any offensive lineman for the Longhorns in the win over Kansas State. He was also one of the three highest-graded offensive linemen in general for Texas in 2022.

The versatility that Angilau brings to the table is paramount for Flood and the Longhorns to have back in the mix next year.

One other potential building block could be forming for Texas with the redshirt freshman offensive guard Hayden Conner. In just shy of 20 snaps in pass blocking for Conner in the win over Kansas State, he didn’t allow a single quarterback pressure. He was the second-highest graded pass blocker for Texas on Black Friday. Conner also showed potential consistently in pass blocking in five games with significant game reps this fall.

Now, the real wildcard for the Longhorns that could complete a trio of projected starting offensive linemen in 2022 is freshman center Jake Majors. No one, outside of maybe senior offensive tackle Christian Jones, had a more inconsistent showing along the offensive line in 2021 than Majors. But Majors did show flashes and increased consistency as the season moved along.

Put on some size and work in to find more steadiness at the center position next offseason, and Majors could be a key piece for this O-Line in 2022.