Texas HC Tom Herman indicated sophomore RB Roschon Johnson will remain at running back

[IndianFan]

Several Longhorns moving positions, changing roles when spring practice begins March 25 | Hookem.com

Texas has eight weeks of offseason workouts before spring practice begins March 24. When that day comes, several Longhorns will have new roles under the rebuilt coaching staff.

www.hookem.com

Texas HC Tom Herman indicated sophomore RB Roschon Johnson will remain at running back 'for the foreseeable future'.

Johnson (6'2/220) was originally recruited as a quarterback before being converted to running back last season to backup Texas' starting RB Keontay Ingram. Johnson was a revelation for the Longhorns in his true freshman season, rushing 123 times for 649 yards, a 5.3 YPC and seven touchdowns. He received 20+ carries twice this season, going over 100-yards each time. Ingram returns in 2020 and will still likely receiver the lion's share of carries, however Johnson is the clear second RB option for UT and will be the favorite to take over primary rushing duties when Ingram departs.

 

[IndianFan]

Updated Texas spring depth chart

With Reese Leitao expected to cross-train on defense, here’s a look at what the depth chart might look like this spring.

www.burntorangenation.com

 

[1989NDN]

I would still like to see him at QB. Just put the ball in his hands and let him sling around the yard or run with it. Whatever. Another subpar season in Austin and Tom Herman will be out the door.

Go Indians. Peace.

 

[IndianFan]

I'm sure RJ still wants to play QB. But if given the option of getting onto the field for one of the highest profile teams in the nation, or fighting for practice snaps, he'll go the RB route, He was their best back last season even though he never seemed to reach a comfort level where he was running naturally.

The Texas running game seems to be based on delayed hand offs followed by waiting for the hole to appear, which allows the defense to react and shut the play down. So instead of blasting through the gaps and getting to the second level, he's fighting off tackles at the LOS. And then so much focus was placed on not fumbling that he didn't appear to run naturally or balanced. And of course just when he was on a role, they cut his carries back to a minimum to keep Ingram happy. RJ will probably be much improved next season, but with the #1 rated high school RB coming in 2020, and Ingram still there, it's going to be a dogfight for snaps. RJ just needs to dominate every chance he touches the ball and remove any doubt who should be the featured back.

And you never now what the future holds. If Ehlinger graduates and the other QBs don't cut it, maybe RJ can get a shot.

 

[prepballfan]

I just hope he is successful at whatever he does.

 

[IndianFan]

 

[prepballfan]

Very cool

 

[IndianFan]

SI Article

Texas Football: Roschon Johnson to Stay at Running Back

Recruited to play quarterback, Johnson will continue to play tailback heading into his sophomore year

www.si.com

 

[modmouse78]

Inside Texas posted that he maxed out on bench press at 370

 

[Usedtocould]

Jeez

 

[Fairlane]

He needs to transfer. Too far down on the QB and RB depth charts. Unfair, but it the nature of college recruiting. Might be different if PN-G were producing 3-4 D1 players per year.

 

[IndianFan]

He needs to transfer. Too far down on the QB and RB depth charts. Unfair, but it the nature of college recruiting. Might be different if PN-G were producing 3-4 D1 players per year.

Texas seems to be good at stockpiling talent. But today's big recruit quickly becomes yesterdays news. I am one of the most dedicated UT fans around, but will be first to say this is often where great talent goes to die. The list of high school greats that went there and did nothing are numerous. At running back Jonathan Gray first comes to mind.

I still think that Roschon's ability and work ethic will shine through. But if Herman and staff feel compelled to give the upper hand to the recruit of the year, B. Robinson, or stick with K. Ingram who was often uninspiring in the starting position , he may not get a fair shot. Just like Dustin Long being pushed aside years ago so that Reggie McNeal could play, RJ may have to make a similar decision to move on.

 

[Usedtocould]

I say graduate with honors play 4 years and graduate transfer and play QB somewhere UH etc that is if not projected to go high in the draft. Everyone seems to be high on him as they should.

 

[IndianFan]

It's amazing that RJ, playing in an unexpected position beginning with the first week of the season, outplayed who many consider as one of the best recruits in UT history. A player who set the high school state record in yardage gained rushing.

Greatest Longhorn Football recruits of All Time - No. 6, Jonathan Gray

The former Aledo standout flashed his big talent, but injuries plagued his time on the Forty Acres

www.si.com

UT Top Freshman Rushing Yardage, Sorted by Avg Carry
Player, Yr, Games, Att, Yds, Avg, TD, 100 Yd Gm
Vince Young, 2003, 12, 135, 998, 7.4, 11, 3
Jamaal Charles, 2005, 13, 119, 878, 7.4, 11, 3
Ricky Williams, 1995, 12, 166, 990, 6.0, 8, 3
Earl Campbell, 1974, 11, 162, 928, 5.7, 6, 4
Roschon Johnson, 2019, 13, 123, 649, 5.3, 7, 2
Keontay Ingram, 2018, 13, 142, 708, 5.0, 3, 1
Cedric Benson, 2001, 12, 223 1053, 4.7, 12, 5
Johnathan Gray, 2012, 13, 149, 701, 4.7, 3, 2
Malcolm Brown, 2011, 10, 172, 742, 4.3, 5, 3
Adrian Walker, 1989, 11, 193, 814, 4.2, 6, 0