When the remaining members of Texas' 2015 signing class arrived in Austin in June, head coach Charlie Strong pulled the entire group in for a meeting.

He told them above all else, no matter what gets said during the summer not to lose their confidence. The Longhorns, coming off of a 6-7 season, were in need of the class' kind of swagger and Strong made it clear to the newcomers they shouldn't be afraid to be themselves.

Confidence has turned into production on the field as the Texas depth chart for the Sept. 5 season opener against Notre Dame is sure to feature many Longhorns who where playing high school football at this time last year.

During a news conference Tuesday, Strong gave a rundown of the rookies he's planning on using once the season gets underway.

Offensively, he spoke highly of tackle Connor Williams and guard Patrick Vahe, noting the latter has done a good job of putting a body on people and creating a push in the run game. Running back Chris Warren and receivers John Burt and Ryan Newsome have seen their roles within the offense increase as camp has progressed and should see the field in South Bend.

It's a given Malik Jefferson, Anthony Wheeler Kris Boyd, Holton Hill and Davante Davis will make their debuts against the Fighting Irish. Breckyn Hager wasn't a shoe-in for playing time when camp started, but he's done his part to earn early playing time.

“He has such a great attitude,” Strong said. “Can find the football and runs downhill to go hit the ball.”

The surprise among the freshman class has been defensive end Charles Omenihu, according to Strong. The Longhorns are deep at defensive end but Omenihu's strong camp, where he's spent multiple practices working with the No. 1 defense, has put him in the mix to get reps in the opener.

“Didn't know if he could just drop in open space,” Strong said of his initial concerns about Omenihu possibly being able to play this year. “A tall guy, can cover up a lot of ground, has long arms.”

The class comprised of recruits taken in Strong's first full recruiting cycle at Texas was expected to bring a much-needed infusion of talent and attitude into the program. They've done that, but what Strong didn't count on is the way they've brought the squad together in such a short amount of time.

Rather than shunning the newcomers or being overcome with jealousy, the veterans have been great about making the freshmen feel like a part of the team. Strong praised Johnathan Gray, Daje Johnson, Peter Jinkens and Duke Thomas for the way they've embraced the group of freshmen.

“The thing about them is they continue to push,” Strong said. “They're not backing away, but the upperclassmen have brought them. I don't know if they brought them in last year. It's been totally different with that group of freshmen.”