The hottest song of the summer, Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road," played across Wright Sports Complex on Friday, Texas opened fall camp for the 2019 campaign.
The first day of fall camp is a day to get players, coaches and staff focused on the season ahead. It wasn’t about the fundamentals and making sure every move was perfect; it was more about making sure the spirit of the team was the correct one.
“(There were) certainly missed assignments and poor technique here and there, but we’re OK with that,” head coach Tom Herman said. “As long they’re sticking their foot in the ground and running and going as hard as they can, that’s a successful practice in practice number one.”
Fall camp provides insight into how the team will shape up going into the season.
Here are a few of the top storylines to come out of the first day of camp:
Defensive backfield has early starters
One of the biggest concerns for Texas this offseason has been who will start on the outside of the secondary. Safeties Caden Sterns and Brandon Jones have their spots solidified after productive 2018 campaigns. The cornerback position is still up for grabs.
When the defense broke out for drills, young cornerbacks Jalen Green and D’Shawn Jamison ran out with the first team. The players don’t have a bevy of starts under their belt, but neither do the majority of the defense. Green and Jamison are coming off impressive spring performances. Although much is scheduled to change, being the day one starter bodes well for both corners.
The running back pecking order is set
Keaontay Ingram is the starting running back. Last year, Ingram averaged five yards per carry while splitting touches with Tre Watson. With Watson leaving, Ingram has been preparing himself for the load he will carry.
“Keaontay Ingram is 20 pounds heavier and running a mile per hour faster,” Herman said.
Just below Ingram on the depth chart is Jordan Whittington. The freshman is a swiss army knife in terms of his ability and has been a bright spot for Herman after early enrolling in January.
“It’s one of the most amazing things I’ve seen in 20-something years of coaching, how a guy — who had never played the position before in his life — took to it that naturally,” Herman said. “He’s our second-team tailback right now, and we’re expecting some big contributions.”
Injury update
Defensive lineman Rob Cummins underwent surgery, where his knee was scoped. This is the second consecutive season that Cummins has suffered a knee injury during camp.
Wide receiver Al’Vonte Woodard made progress Friday, as well.
“Al’Vonte Woodard got out of his boot today,” Herman said. “(He’s) progressing nicely, and we’re hoping by the end of camp for more.”
Woodard suffered a fracture in his left foot during offseason workouts in June.
Both players redshirted their freshman season and are looking to be a consistent presence on the field in 2019.