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Texas players, including offensive linemen Cole Hutson (54) and Connor Stroh (79) warm up during a Texas Football practice at the Frank Denius Fields in Austin, July 30, 2025.<\/p>\n
Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n
Trevor\u00a0Goosby understands the concerns, he really does.<\/p>\n
After all, the new starting left tackle for Texas football<\/a> and his teammates must replace four starters from an offensive line that earned back-to-back finalist spots for the coveted Joe Moore Award, which is annually given to college football\u2019s best set of offensive linemen.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Texas Longhorns offensive coordinator Kyle Flood speaks to media at the Sheraton Hotel on Friday, Dec. 29, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Texas Longhorns will face the Washington Huskies in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2024.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n It\u2019s a massive challenge, Goosby admits. But it\u2019s also a giant opportunity on an offense rich in the skill spots with players such as quarterback Arch Manning<\/a>, receiver Ryan Wingo<\/a> and running backs Quintrevion Wisner and CJ Baxter.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have a new identity,\u201d said Goosby, who\u2019s entering his junior season. \u201cWe have to really, really come together and find out our identity and who we are as O-line.\u201d<\/p>\n And just a few days into training camp, how would Goosby describe a group that also includes new left guard Neto Umeozulu, guard-turned-center Cole Hudson, returning starting right guard DJ Campbell <\/a>and a new right tackle in Brandon Baker or Andre Cojoe?<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n \u201cI think we’re a really gritty O-line,\u201d he said. \u201cI think we’re just ground-and-pound. We just have that ability to move somebody off the ball and establish ourselves. That’s what we pride ourselves on, for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n MORE:<\/strong> Arch Manning, C.J. Baxter and others hit the Texas football practice field, see photos<\/a><\/p>\n Kyle Flood: New faces have \u2018chip on shoulder\u2019<\/b><\/p>\n Before looking ahead at the Longhorns\u2019 2025 season that kicks off with a visit Aug. 30 to defending national champion Ohio State, let\u2019s glance back at the last few seasons for the Texas offensive line. Departed left tackle\u00a0Kelvin Banks Jr.<\/a>, guard Hayden Connor and center Jake Majors all started for at least three seasons. Right tackle Cam Williams impressed in his one season in the starting lineup. All are currently in NFL training camps, which helps explain why the Longhorns ranked no worse than 25th in the nation in total offense in each of the past three years.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n But Kyle Flood, the Longhorns\u2019 offensive coordinator who focuses on the line, thinks the youth movement up front will add a jolt to the unit. Flood and head coach Steve Sarkisian have recruited particularly well in the trenches over the past few recruiting cycles, which means the team has a depth chart stacked with former blue-chip recruits.<\/p>\n Texas offensive coordinator Kyle Flood watches his team warm up before an NCAA college football game against Iowa State at Memorial Stadium, Saturday, Oct., 15, 2022.<\/p>\n Stephen Spillman\/Special to American-Statesman<\/p>\n Even Baker, a consensus five-star prospect in 2024, could be brought along slowly as a reserve even though he burned a redshirt season while appearing in eight games.<\/p>\n \u201cI think anytime you are getting the opportunity to be a full-time starter for the first time, there should be a little bit of a chip on your shoulder,\u201d Flood said. \u201cThere’s other guys behind them that are trying to win those jobs, too.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n SEC football preview:<\/strong> Ranking Michael Taaffe of Texas, defensive backs<\/a><\/p>\n Brandon Baker, Andre Cojoe in only position battle<\/b><\/p>\n Aside from the right tackle battle between Baker and Cojoe, the Texas line seems almost set even though Flood and Sarkisian always talk about the benefits of competition for playing time. The 6-foot-7, 315-pound Goosby started two games last season at both tackle spots and seems like a natural fit guarding Manning\u2019s blind side.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve got to protect my guy,\u201d Goosby said, referring to Manning. \u201cI would say he’s one of the most prized possessions of our team.\u201d<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Flood has long liked the footwork and athleticism of Goosby, a former high-level basketball player in high school in the distant Dallas suburb of Melissa. Goosby\u2019s commitment to the weight room throughout the offseason has added more power to his run-blocking, which Flood described as the next step in his development.<\/p>\n \u201cTrevor has had a really good summer in building his body,\u201d Flood said. \u201cOffensive linemen come to you in all different shapes and forms. Some guys get here, and they may be a little too big and we lean them up a little bit. Other guys, like Trevor, were really lean, and we’ve kind of built him up. Now, he’s moving as well in his body as he’s ever moved. It\u2019s kind of come together in a really good way.\u201d<\/p>\n The Texas Longhorns offense lines up for a snap during the game against Clemson in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.<\/p>\n Aaron E. Martinez\/Special to American-Statesman<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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