The tight end (TE) position at Texas is cursed, at least for the time being. If the 2017 Longhorns continue to have tight end depth issues, there will be consequences. For one, how will the newcomers perform, the transfer and the two freshmen? For two, how does that limit the ‘multiplicity’ of the offense? As you know, as avid TFB readers, Herman’s preferred ‘personnel’ is one that utilizes a TE in multiple formations. Watching past Herman offenses you see the tight end move around, from in-line with the offensive line, to the backfield, and split wide with the receivers. If you don’t have capable tight ends, what do you do? If only one is capable, how many snaps can one guy play? If a freshman is ready (doubtful), the benefit would be immense, unlikely. How do you plan around such a liability? It’s hard, but it also helps to have speed and size at both the wide receiver and running back positions. About the running back position, there are depth issues there as well, thanks to the injury bug, ouch! You see, it’s very easy to become ‘boxed-in’ when depth is critically effected. If you’re a Texas fan, also pray for running back health, health all-around!

What does that leave you with? There are some things I can think of that aren’t revolutionary. Herman could opt for the obvious, ’10’ personnel, 1 running back and 4 receivers. What’s interesting, Texas has incredible WR depth (talent). The receiving corps consists of a blend of speed and size. Something I expect to improve, by Herman’s reputation alone, is receiver blocking. If improvement occurs here, Texas has the type of bodies outside to become a physical presence. Think Collin Johnson, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Dorian Leonard, and even Lorenzo Joe who’s shown tenacity outside in the past. Together with the more explosive options, the receivers stand to make the biggest impact for the offense (Shane matters here too). If you do see more ’10’ personnel, expect to see motion to gain match-ups and to threaten the edge. Imagine jet motion and motion to alter the numbers and ‘surface’. By surface I mean altering who’s up and who’s off the line of scrimmage and shifting into stack or bunch formations. This all alters the defense’s alignments and assignments. Take for example the following scheme and imagine what else you can run from the same set, motion, and receiver stems.

Note the left slot receiver motioning to the right, threatening a jet sweep and sudden change in numbers and surface.

This forces the backer to that side to match-up with the receiver, a quick-hitting post-snap mismatch.

The receivers block the corner and safety and the motion receiver to the flat attempts to turn the corner on pursuit.

Note that multiple concepts can be run from an identical set and motion, even Herman’s baby, 3-Level pass.

What else? If the running backs stay healthy, you could also utilize ’20’ personnel. Herman uses the tight end in ’20’ personnel, often placing him off-set in the backfield (H-back). Instead, two running backs can be deployed, especially with a healthy Chris Warren (gulp). I’m glad you see the ‘slippery slope’, ha! The problem here, Texas’ two big backs are a junior and freshman. That remains problematic, as it forces reliance on a newcomer, remember last season, having only Foreman and Porter, bad. Nevertheless, at least Warren would allow the staff to scheme in some of their ’20’ personnel concepts without a tight end. I’m not discounting the other backs, only, wouldn’t you rather have Warren aiming for a linebacker or safety? I agree with your answer. An example of a two running back ’20’ personnel concept follows.

Power read, anyone? You saw Shane run Power read last season. I think it remains. Rather than use a tight end, you can lead with a 2nd back.

Note the pulling guard and the back to the boundary lead into the alley. The main difference between using a back vs a tight end, pre-snap the defense must respect either back getting the ball. Of course, the angles are different as well.

Nevertheless, when you have a 245 lb. running back, why not use him to block, a guy like Warren is the ultimate hybrid!

Anyhow, there’s no need to panic, as there are options. The point of addressing the lack of tight end depth is that there are other ideas the staff can pursue, no matter the preference. It’s up to them to use their imaginations to put players in positions to win. I happen to be a proponent of deploying all of your best players. As things stood before the Beck injury, perhaps tight end wasn’t one of them. You tell me.