Getting into the 2023-24 season, Texas soccer faces a lot scrutiny over this system’s future since headliner Bijan Robinson joined the NFL. A group that completed 8-5 general (6-3 within the Massive 12) final season, the Longhorns now look to rebound from what some could have thought-about an underwhelming season. With Robinson’s departure, head coach Steve Sarkisian’s third season on the Forty Acres may have Longhorn followers hopeful for brand new faces who could make a right away impression.
Adonai Mitchell
Merely often called AD, Adonai Mitchell is a 2022 School Soccer Playoff Nationwide Champion. A Missouri Metropolis native, Mitchell transferred to Texas to be nearer to dwelling. Final season, a excessive ankle sprain barred the skin receiver for many of the season. Mitchell then competed in Georgia’s last six video games, enjoying an enormous position within the School Soccer Playoff with a landing in opposition to Ohio State and TCU. Coming in at 6 toes, 4 inches, Mitchell’s body and catch radius will certainly catapult Texas to one of many nation’s prime receiving corps as he joins Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington.
Anthony Hill
A Denton, Texas native, Anthony Hill is certain to have an prompt position in a vastly improved Texas protection. The Denton-Ryan Excessive College linebacker concluded his senior season as a five-star recruit, committing to Texas final December. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s defensive schemes enable gamers to thrive in particular roles relative to their strengths. Two of Hill’s biggest strengths are his excellent athleticism and pass-rush skill. These abilities are exactly what Steve Sarkisian appreciated from his entrance seven this spring.
“I believe we’ve got some good packages now the place we are able to get individuals on the sector in sure combos, and they are often very disruptive,” Sarkisian stated. “I believe our linebackers are good rushers as effectively.”
Whereas he’s not but an official starter, Hill is primed to have constant enjoying time as a freshman.
Jalen Catalon
One other Texas native, Jalen Catalon, was introduced in by the switch portal. Initially from Mansfield, the security is a redshirt senior who transferred from Arkansas. Catalan’s redshirt freshman season (2020) was his greatest, garnering him All-SEC first-team honors (AP) with 99 complete tackles, three interceptions and 4 passes damaged up. However Catalon’s switch comes with an damage historical past. Since that 2020 season, Catalon has had consecutive season-ending accidents, enjoying simply seven video games up to now two seasons. Catalon could be a much-needed addition to a Texas defensive backroom if wholesome.
Texas will open its 2023-24 season at dwelling in opposition to Rice on Sep. 2, the place these new, impactful gamers can present they’ve what it takes to be a Longhorn amid Texas’ last Massive 12 season.
