Throughout the summer and over the first two weeks of the season, one Texas true freshman has been standing out for his "dirty work" on offense. No, it's not WR Daylan McCutcheon, OT Nick Brooks, or even WR Kaliq Lockett.
It's 4-star TE Nick Townsend.
Townsend hasn't been a factor as a pass-catcher just yet, but his blocking ability is incredibly advanced for being as young as he is. Steve Sarkisian has been using him as a blocking tight end fairly consistently in weeks 1 and 2. He's a great move-blocker on wham, insert, and lead blocks in space due to his excellent technique and strong core. Sarkisian has also lined him up everywhere so far - in the backfield as a fullback, as an offset wing, and as a traditional in-line "Y".
Here's every play from true freshman Nick Townsend, Jeff Banks on the sideline appeared happy with his play on Saturday pic.twitter.com/1EUIhAnWrQ
— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) September 8, 2025
It's crazy to think about, but Nick Towsend has been a better pound-for-pound blocker than Jordan Washington so far for the Longhorns, who's a solid 20-30 lbs. heavier than Townsend right now. Despite "only" being 241 lbs., Townsend's able to generate a lot of torque by utilizing his excellent body control and core strength on a consistent basis.
Perhaps the best and most inspiring trait about Townsend's performance so far has been his overall attitude and willingness to give 100% as a blocker. He takes pride in and gets just as excited about making a good block as he does catching a touchdown pass.
This block from Nick Townsend was one of a few really good showing from the true freshman, saw @CoachJeffBanks pumped from his play today
— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) September 7, 2025
You better come correct because Townsend is coming with the smoke
This play had me screaming at the top of my lungs in DKR pic.twitter.com/dIhzKfbvd8
These are the types of selfless, open-minded football players that any program wants to have in its tight end room. He doesn't whine or pout when he's not able to run routes when he's on the field; he just wants to help in any way that he possibly can.
He's also a top-notch special teams player on almost every unit and has been the epitome of an "iron man" since the moment he arrived in Austin. ST Coordinator and TE Coach Jeff Banks is constantly impressed with everything about him, and I wouldn't be surprised if he cements himself as the team's TE2 sooner rather than later in 2025.