Texas Longhorns Three-Step: Jeffrey Maddox dances through 3 key storylines for the upcoming season

The Texas Longhorns have dominated the headlines this off-season. Yet Jeffrey Maddox and other diehards are most interested in what’s happening on the field.

With a move to the SEC looming shortly, the chatter has centered around conference realignment, revenue sharing, and the future of Texas football. With all this noise, it’s easy to forget the Longhorns cratered to a 5-7 record last season, including a six-game losing streak in Big 12 play. 

Jeffrey Maddox hopes to hook a few more wins in 2022.

And he has a vested interest. While he isn’t a coach or coordinator, Jeffrey Maddox is a proud University of Texas alumnus. After earning his Master’s degree, he immediately began working in accounting. He currently spends his days as an investment banking director in Houston. But he spends his Saturdays at Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium.

That’s why, like most other fans who bleed burnt orange, Jeffrey Maddox looks at the upcoming season with rose-colored glasses. With this in mind, he shares three key storylines that he’s looking forward to most in 2022.

Competing at QB

Who’s under center? No, this isn’t a bad spin on the classic Abbott and Costello routine. In fact, it’s not a joke at all. With the team struggling to find consistent leadership a year ago, the answer will likely define the team’s entire season. 

And it won’t be Arch Manning yet. While the team will have to wait one more year for the highly-coveted recruit to arrive on campus, there are more than capable options at the helm. Incumbent starter Hudson Card will get the first crack but expect Quinn Ewers to inevitably take over. The Ohio State transfer, who enrolled early, is the highest-rated quarterback prospect ever to step foot in Austin. He’s the odds-on favorite to win the job.

Running it back

In any Steve Sarkisian offense, the passing game always gets top billing. Receiver Xavier Worthy is returning after a 12-touchdown, All-Big 12 First Team campaign. With fellow starter Jordan Whittington and Alabama transfer Jahleel Billingsley as his running mates, the Texas Longhorns will undoubtedly look to air it out yet again.

But don’t sleep on Bijan Robinson. The third-year rusher has been heavily featured on most pre-season watch lists, including the Walter Camp Player of the Year, Maxwell Award, and the Doak Walker Award. He averaged a staggering 5.8 yards per carry behind a patchwork offensive line. If this unit improves as expected, Bijan Robinson will be running amuck all over the Forty Acres.

Welcoming new faces

Casual fans might need to check the program on Week 1. The Longhorns are infusing the sidelines with even more talent, says Jeffrey Maddox.

Texas closed out the recruiting cycle with the nation’s No. 5 class, headlined by a pair of five-star offensive linemen in Devon Campbell and Kelvin Banks. The team was also able to flip top-ten ranked cornerback Terrance Brooks, who previously committed to Ohio State. In addition to Ewers and Billingsley, Sarkisian also added elite transfers, like cornerback Ryan Watts and former Wyoming receiver Isaiah Neyor. These new arrivals should have an immediate impact.