Texas gave a dominating performance over a tough Louisiana team that had some talent. With a few 2022 NFL Draft prospects on each side, there were some definite risers and fallers from this game.
DeMarvion Overshown, Linebacker
Overshown was all over the field and the clear leader in sniffing out play calls from the Ragin’ Cajuns and stopping the offense. A violent tackler with good closing speed, it appears he has improved a ton since last season. He even rushed the passer on a few plays and got in for some pressures and sacks. Overshown is likely a Top 100 pick with some possibility to rise even higher.
D’Shawn Jamison, Cornerback
Thompson is a small, but athletic starting corner for Texas who has excellent closing speed and can run deep with anyone. He isn’t the most physical wideout and it may cause problems later in the season. That being said, he had a good game and Louisiana couldn’t get a good handle on beating him. A good return man, that may be where he makes his money in the NFL.
Josh Thompson, Cornerback
Thompson wasn’t challenged much in this game using his arms to push receivers around a the line of scrimmage. His back pedal is a bit high cut and he can be slow to turn and run, but good instincts and size are helpful. Intrigued to see him play better players and if he can sustain the success he had.
Keondre Coburn, Defensive Line
Coburn is a massive Nose Tackle who isn’t a great mover. Louisiana ran away from him throughout the game due to his excellent run defense. The highlight was a blocked extra point by the big man who has some hops. Lots of upside with him.
Cameron Dicker, Kicker
Dicker is one of those kickers who is money from close, but struggles from far away. As seen in this game, missing a 45-yard field goal early in the game was not ideal. I doubt the NFL will want a kicker that can’t hit 40+ yarders.
Roschon Johnson, Running Back
The former QB turned RB for Texas had a few good runs and catches in the game. Though he is just a rotating back-up, his athletic ability is noticeable everytime he touches the ball. With good size and speed, Johnson could be a bit of a sleeper to slip into the draft in 2023 even though he’ll never start over stud Bijan Robinson.
Cade Brewer, Tight End
Brewer had a nice touchdown catch as a red zone threat, his primary role on the offense. He also displayed solid blocking skills in the run game, rarely letting Louisiana defenders seal the edge. A potential player who could stick on an NFL roster with those skills, even if undrafted.
Chris Smith, Running Back
Smith is the heir to the dynamic duo of Elijah Mitchell and Trey Ragas Louisiana ran for years. With many of the similar talents, Smith has some big upside. Good vision and burst with the ability to get physical with the Texas defense, Smith looks like a RB who can do some damage on the college level. If he showcases good athletic ability, and NFL future could happen for him, even as a late round pick.
Chauncey Manac, EDGE
Manac had a solid game with multiple penetrations and hurries along with a sack. The most impressive player on the defense, Manac moves well for his size with a natural bend. May not be a high end draft pick, but left a good first impression.
Shane Vallot, Center
Vallot had an okay game given the competition. He was solid run blocking in the first level, but didn’t add much in terms of pulling or second level work. He was a bit hyper focused on his assignment and missed some opportunities to block incoming pass rushers, etc. Didn’t feel like an NFL player.
Tayland Humphrey, Defensive Line
Humphrey showed some physical talents at Nose Tackle, but he didn’t have much opportunity to get a clean tackle on Bijan Robinson. There isn’t much of a pass rush there and ultimately it hurt the defense.
O’Cyrus Torrence, Guard
Torrence started at RG and had a good game. Clearly the best lineman on Louisiana, he is a heavy waisted knee bender but gives a good pop when run blocking. He wasn’t afraid to get chippy in pass protection either. Maybe not an athletic pulling guard, but could be drafted into specific schemes.
Levi Lewis, Quarterback
The veteran had to deal with plenty in this game including constant pressure and receivers who were not getting much separation. Ultimately, Lewis is likely too short without the raw arm ability for the NFL, but he can run and is a scrappy player who excels in college. He could make a camp or practice squad.
Max Mitchell, Offensive Tackle
Mitchell struggled often throughout the game at RT, specifically against the pass rush. Levi Lewis often had to move to his left with pressure coming in from the right side. Not the best first impression of the season for Mitchell.
Bralen Trahan, Safety
Trahan was used mainly as a main safety against Cade Brewer and seemed solid in that role. Didn’t show much range or even tackling ability, but he had good size and a knack for reading tight ends and RBs. He got beat a few times by Bijan Robinson. Likely an undrafted asset who could stick in camp.
Percy Butler, Safety
Butler on the other hand was used close to the line to try and protect against Bijan, and he had a heck of a time bringing down the Texas runners in general. There was some closing speed and explosion there, maybe a special teamer in the NFL, but it was a rough game.
Johnny Lumpkin, Tight End
Lumpkin played in the game but didn’t record a catch. He seemed to be in a rotation with other Tight Ends and it likely is not beneficial to a future NFL career.
Follow Shane on Twitter @ShanePHallam