Young Guns: Freshmen Turning Heads in Texas' Citrus Bowl Prep
AUSTIN — The Texas Longhorns’ preparations for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Michigan have taken on a distinct flavor. With established stars like Anthony Hill Jr. and Michael Taaffe opting out, and depth pieces like CJ Baxter entering the transfer portal, the door has swung wide open for the program’s widely acclaimed 2025 signing class.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian described the early bowl practices as “developmental,” comparing the format to NFL OTAs where the focus shifts squarely to fundamentals and getting younger players meaningful reps.
The Michael Terry III Experiment
Perhaps no player has generated more buzz this week than Michael Terry III. Listed as an athlete, Terry has been working extensively at both wide receiver and running back.
With the backfield depleted, Terry’s versatility is becoming a critical asset. Reports from practice indicate he is looking explosive receiving handoffs, potentially previewing a “Deebo Samuel-esque” role for the bowl game and the 2026 season.
Running Back Reinforcements
Terry isn’t the only fresh face in the backfield. Freshmen running backs Christian Clark and James Simon are receiving a heavy workload. Both were highly touted recruits, and with the sudden lack of depth behind Jaydon Blue, at least one of them is expected to see significant carries against Michigan’s stout defensive front.
Defensive Front Youngsters
On defense, the departures of key starters have accelerated the timeline for several linemen. The staff has been reportedly impressed with:
- Josiah Sharma: A massive interior presence who is physically ready for SEC-level play.
- Myron Charles: Another interior lineman making noise in one-on-one drills.
- Smith Orogbo: An edge rusher showing the burst needed to eventually replace Trey Moore’s production.
Wide Receiver Talent
While the offense has plenty of veterans, freshmen wideouts Jaime Ffrench and Kaliq Lockett continue to validate their high recruiting rankings. Both have made highlight-reel catches during the open portions of practice, suggesting they are ready to contribute immediately if called upon.
Looking Ahead to Orlando
“We had six developmental practices where we were really focused on getting back to the fundamentals, the techniques, the basics,” Sarkisian told the media, emphasizing technically sound football during this phase.
For Texas fans, the December 31st matchup might be less about the final score and more about the first glimpse of the future. If this week of practice is any indication, that future is incredibly talented.
