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Countdown to Kickoff: Cojoe makes Texas’ OL pecking order much cleaner
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- Countdown to Kickoff: Cojoe makes Texas’ OL pecking order much cleaner
Texas football continues to close in and there are a few unanswered questions around the program. The OL continues to be the biggest concern among the fanbase, but it seems that room is beginning to get set in stone. Yesterday, Steve Sarkisian shut down the idea that Andre Cojoe could move to guard once Goosby returns, saying "we'll be fine at guard". That not only answers the OT pecking order but gives a clear look at the battle for the starting LG position.
Trevor Goosby and Melvin Siani are the top two OTs for Texas. Those will be the bookend starters for Texas if healthy. If one goes down, it's become clear Cojoe would be the answer. That is a strategy that paid dividends in 2024, when Trevor Goosby operated at OT3 and played important snaps at both RT and LT. The trio of Goosby, Siani and Cojoe is a very strong group and one that should get you through the season without major drop-offs in play.
Moving to the interior, Andre Cojoe answers many of the questions there as well. Brandon Baker is the biggest piece of this. There were thoughts after Goosby's injury that Baker would fill one of the OT roles until his return. Cojoe's emergence gives Baker the ability to focus solely on his new RG spot.
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On top of that, Sarkisian's confidence around the IOL without adding Cojoe into the equation is important. Laurence Seymore returned to practice on Monday after missing last week and I expect him to continue pulling away in that battle. Behind him, Dylan Sikorski and Cole Hutson seem to be high-floor options for Texas at either guard spot. Cojoe's ability to answer the OT questions allows the IOL trio to consistently work together leading up to kickoff.
Steve Sarkisian and Texas did an entire overhaul of the offensive line this offseason. Brought in Melvin Siani and Laurence Seymore to fight for starting positions. Added Jonte Newman, Paris Patterson and Dylan Sikorski to answer the depth questions left by portal losses. Despite all the change, the one of the veteran Longhorns is the key to this unit at large.
If Andre Cojoe matches his preseason reports during the season, he'll keep the OT duo playing at a high level, regardless of injuries. If Sarkisian's confidence to not move Cojoe to the interior is well-founded, the IOL will be much improved from a talent and cohesion level this season. Not to mention, Cojoe could be a "break glass in case of emergency" option on the interior if needed.
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The offensive line is a unit Texas fans won't trust until they see it. Fall camp confidence only means so much. However, it seems this unit is slated to be more talented and deeper than a season ago. Cojoe is the prime example of that, and as the season draws closer, he continues to prove he's a very important piece to a successful OL this season.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Countdown to Kickoff: Cojoe makes Texas' OL pecking order much cleaner
