Horns247 Board

I think it will say a lot about the talent in the starting five if Flowers can't crack the lineup this year. From everything I've seen/heard/read it seems incredible that he wouldn't be able to start soon.

I can tell.

The OL is really the key to the hole ship in 2012. If that group can take the next step and create bigger, longer lasting holes for the RBs and give Ash a few more beats to find an open receiver then this offense has a chance to be markedly better than 2011.

Another perspective is that we finally are starting to build the depth in the offensive line that a major program should have. He's very talented, but he has only been on campus for one year and is a freshman. I want to see us get back to the point that we aren't starting offensive linemen who aren't in their third year on campus except with rare exception. But the reality is that he probably will start at some point this year. We still don't know if Espinosa can hold down the center position physically . Hopkins or Walters still may have to move to center. Beyond that, we only have one tackle who has played a down of D1 football and are hoping a Juco transfer steps up as the second starter. Even if he does, if Hawkins or Cochran goes down; Hopkins will probably have to slide back outside.

Obviously, we are in much better shape than we were last year; but we still are a couple of years away from having real offensive line depth and continuity.

Yeah, outside of Flowers there's not a whole lot of options behind the starting five right now.

But with the guys that Mack is bringing in this year and next it looks like Texas should have some legitimate depth come 2013 and '14.

The more true frosh that get a chance to have some late-game reps in 2012 the better.

I'm sure they'd love to get Estelle some reps too. Only makes the line deeper in 2013.

Its rare for offensive linemen to turn pro after only three years, especially interior linemen.

Mr Perkins & Mr James respectfully disagree.