Texas Football: 3 ‘most improved’ true freshmen so far this offseason

Payton Kirkland, OT

Someone that stuck out right away during spring ball among the true freshmen for the Longhorns was the former three-star recruit out of Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, FL, Payton Kirkland. The towering 6-foot-6 and 365-pound offensive tackle Kirkland was the only true freshman in the early stages of spring ball that was taking consistent second-team reps along the offensive line.

It was clear that Kirkland’s physical tools and mindset made an instant impression on offensive line coach/offensive coordinator Kyle Flood and the rest of the Longhorns staff. He also made an impression on the staff by getting down to work right away in the winter strength and conditioning program.

And while we didn’t hear as much noise regarding the performance of Kirkland in the latter stages of spring practice, he was still getting his business done in a consistent and proficient manner. Kirkland came out of spring ball as one of the true freshmen offensive linemen in the best spot to work his way onto the two-deep heading into the fall.

Kirkland clearly improved his confidence and worked hard to get his body right so far this offseason.

The way he’s speaking about his mindset and progress since the start of the spring semester is very promising in regard to the trajectory of his game and overall development. He spoke on his progress since the start of the spring semester with the “On the Bench Podcast” in late May.

"“I feel like if you’re not nervous when it comes down to sports, you’re not doing it right, you know? It was more like anxiousness than nervousness, just anxious to learn and anxious to pick up on information and anxious to soak in everything that they were telling me. It was a huge adjustment for me.”"

Kirkland also spoke about how he’s working to get his body right heading into the summer.

"“Coming in, I was heavy. You know, I reported to school at about 375 pounds and by the time Spring ball started I was about 355. I finished spring ball around like 343.”"

Moreover, it sounds like Kirkland has continued to impress his teammates and the coaches early in the summer workout program. Orangebloods reported on June 8 (subscriber content) that Kirkland is still one of the true freshmen that are making a positive impression early in summer workouts.

The way that people in and around the program are talking about Kirkland’s mindset along with the strides he’s made on the practice field and in the weight room this offseason leads me to believe he is trending to earn a spot on the two-deep at offensive tackle this fall.