Texas Football: 2 key injured OL that could miss spring camp

Cole Hutson, IOL

At the moment, it sounds like there is more definitive reporting from multiple outlets that rising sophomore interior offensive lineman Cole Hutson will miss the entirety of spring ball. Hutson dealt with multiple injuries since late in the regular season, including an ankle sprain he suffered in the finale.

A report from Inside Texas on Jan. 13 indicates that Hutson is expected to miss all of spring practice after undergoing surgery to repair a partially torn labrum this week. This procedure was reportedly done to repair the labrum on Hutson’s right shoulder.

Both Horns247 and Inside Texas are reporting this week that Hutson is expected to return to the Longhorns around May, which would mean he misses all of spring ball. It’s also worth mentioning that Hutson’s procedure was reportedly a success earlier this week.

This will be a significant absence for Flood and the Longhorns this spring since Hutson was a consistent starter at the right guard position in the season that was. Hutson took the bulk of the starting reps at right guard for the Longhorns in 2022 ahead of fellow true freshman interior offensive lineman DJ Campbell.

With Hutson out for spring ball, that could leave the door open for Campbell to try and seize the starting job at right guard heading into the fall.

There is some speculation ongoing this offseason from IT and the Longhorns faithful that Hutson could be moved over to another spot along the interior of the offensive line ahead of the 2023 season. Hutson and sophomore IOL Hayden Conner are the two names to watch this offseason that could be moved around the offensive line in the near future upon the rise of talented guys such as Campbell and Malik Agbo.