Texas is lower than a month away from its extremely anticipated season opener in opposition to Ohio State, and one of many Longhorns’ largest query marks simply obtained extra pronounced. Redshirt sophomore Andre Cojoe, who had been competing for the beginning proper sort out spot, is anticipated to overlook important time after struggling a knee harm in preseason camp, Horns247’s Chip Brown confirmed.
Cojoe’s absence leaves Texas scrambling for solutions up entrance as quarterback Arch Manning prepares for his first season because the Longhorns’ full-time starter — with a marquee highway opener in opposition to the reigning nationwide champions looming on Aug. 30 in Columbus.
Cojoe had been splitting first-team reps at proper sort out with sophomore Brandon Baker throughout the early levels of camp following the early NFL departure of former starter Cameron Williams. The 6-foot-6, 335-pound Cojoe had earned reward from offensive line coach Kyle Flood simply days earlier than the harm.
“I feel each these guys have modified their our bodies, improved their ability units, and we’ll determine in coaching camp how that every one performs out,” Flood mentioned final Tuesday of Cojoe and Baker. “So, each guys are going to exit and compete, and we’ll see the way it performs out by means of coaching camp.”
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With Cojoe now sidelined, Baker — a former top-50 recruit and the No. 3 offensive sort out within the 2024 class — turns into the presumptive Week 1 starter. He logged simply 64 offensive snaps in 5 video games final season. Behind Baker, nevertheless, depth is unsure. Sophomore Jaydon Chatman and true freshman Nick Brooks are the subsequent doubtless choices, although neither has significant expertise at sort out.
The timing of Cojoe’s harm is particularly important as Texas replaces 4 of 5 starters from its 2024 offensive line, together with each tackles. Left sort out Kelvin Banks Jr., left guard Hayden Conner, middle Jake Majors and Williams are all now within the NFL.
Redshirt sophomore Trevor Goosby is anticipated to take over at left sort out, whereas redshirt junior Cole Hutson — who began at guard earlier in his profession — is sliding to middle. Redshirt junior Neto Umeozulu is the doubtless alternative at left guard. DJ Campbell returns at proper guard because the lone starter from final season’s unit.
Texas resumes observe Tuesday with an pressing must solidify its entrance 5 earlier than heading into a possible No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown. For a debuting quarterback like Manning, who carries each pedigree and large expectation, safety shall be key. And with a reshuffled line and a top-tier opponent looming, the margin for error simply obtained even smaller.
