Players Give Their Takes on Texas After Fall Camp Day 2

Summary

Podcast Summary: Inside Texas Football

Episode: Players Give Their Takes on Texas After Fall Camp Day 2
Date: August 7, 2026
Host: Inside Texas Team (Paul, Tyler, Cord)
Guests/Featured Players: Hero Kanu, Jelani McDonald, Ryan Niblett

---

Episode Overview

This episode offers insider perspectives from Texas Longhorns players after the second day of Fall Camp 2026. The hosts focus on three less-publicized, but vital team members—Hero Kanu (defensive line), Jelani McDonald (defensive back), and Ryan Niblett (running back/special teams)—highlighting their personalities, roles, and insights into Texas’ culture, chemistry, and readiness for the season. The conversation is relaxed, engaging, and peppered with humor and authentic player anecdotes.

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Running Back Room Vibes: “Goofy” but United

[03:20]

• Ryan Niblett described the running back room as “goofy,” which the hosts found surprising for such a high-responsibility position.
• Host 2 (Tyler): Explains:

  “Those guys like to joke around … you got the veterans in Relique Brown and Hollywood Smothers … then you have the guys in the middle like Ryan Niblett … and then the younger guys.”

• Clear camaraderie across experience levels—veterans interact with and include freshmen like James Simon, Michael Terry, and Derek Cooper.
• [04:20] Host 1 describes Relique Brown dancing to warmup music, showing the fun, lively nature of the group.

2. Defensive Line: “Problematic” in All the Right Ways

[04:50]

• Hero Kanu takes his time, then labels the defensive line room “problematic,” which was quickly clarified:
  • Host 1: “He definitely clarified, like, it does mean getting to the quarterback. Kind of problematic.”
• The room is full of friendly competition and lively personalities, especially with Colin Simmons included.

3. Emerging Star: Justice Terry, a “Generational Talent”

[05:23 & 05:58]

• Kanu surprised the hosts by calling Justice Terry a "generational talent," remarkable for a second-year player with limited snaps last season.
• Host 2 (Tyler):

  “Usually when you ask a veteran player to talk about a freshman … they’ll give you the cliche stuff like ‘yeah, he’s coming along’ … Generational means his time is right now.”

• Terry has improved physically (“a little bit bigger, a little bit stronger”) and is expected to see significant playing time, especially as a third-down pass rusher.
• “By mid to late season, you’re going to see a ton of Justice Terry for Texas.” (Host 3, 07:07)

4. Depth and Flexibility on Defense

[07:34]

• The D-line’s depth allows for more specialized packages and situational substitutions, increasing the likelihood that emerging players (like Terry) make an impact.

5. Teammate Praise & Culture Building

• Zion Williams: Kanu calls him “the strongest player on the team, pretty quickly, pretty easily. 505 front squat.” (Host 1, 07:57)
• Lawrence Seymour: Kanu gives high praise for his “elite feet.” (Host 3, 08:07)
• Kanu is identified as a culture leader, embodying the “five-star teammate” mentality referenced by Coach Sarkisian.

6. Jelani McDonald: Leadership and Humility

[09:12]

• McDonald’s duality: Intense on the field (led the team breakdown at practice), introspective in interviews.
• When asked about being a five-star recruit, he replied,

  “I don’t know, I’m just a good guy. Like that’s who I am.” (Jelani McDonald, 09:12)

• Hosts attribute team unity and strong culture to intentional recruiting of high-character players; point out the importance of “five-star culture, five-star teammates.”

7. Ryan Niblett’s Growth On and Off the Field

[10:16–10:41]

• Niblett talks about his daughter Romy, turning one soon, and how becoming a dad gives him motivation.
• Host 3:

  “You can see the proudness on his face … not just be a dad, but to be at this university playing for Texas. A lot of maturity out of Ryan Niblett. Having a child will help you grow fast. … He has extra motivation, who he’s playing for.”

• Hints at Niblett potentially getting more touches on offense.
• Favorite game: Last year’s Kentucky game (“might not have been music to any Texas fan or media’s ears”).

---

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• [03:20] Ryan Niblett:

  “Goofy.” (Describing the RB room)

• [04:50] Hero Kanu:

  “Problematic.” (One-word description of the D-line)

• [05:23] Hero Kanu:

  “Generational talent.” (On Justice Terry)

• [09:12] Jelani McDonald:

  “I don’t know, I’m just a good guy. Like that’s who I am.” (On being a five-star)

• [07:57] Hero Kanu (via Host 1):

  “Zion Williams the strongest player on the team pretty quickly, pretty easily. 505 front squat.”

• [08:07] Hero Kanu (via Host 3):

  “Lawrence Seymour has elite feet.”

• [10:41] Host 3:

  “You can see the proudness on his face … not just be a dad, but to be at this university playing for Texas.”

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:26] – Show begins, hosts introduce player interviews
• [03:20] – Running Back room dynamic (“goofy”)
• [04:50] – Defensive line dynamic (“problematic”), friendly competition
• [05:23] – Justice Terry labeled a “generational talent”
• [06:53–07:34] – Projecting Justice Terry’s role in 2026, D line depth
• [07:57] – Zion Williams' strength and Lawrence Seymour's “elite feet”
• [08:28] – Kanu’s teammate-first mentality and Sarkisian’s “five-star culture”
• [09:12] – Jelani McDonald on leadership and what it means to be a “five-star guy”
• [10:16–10:41] – Niblett’s growth, fatherhood, and new role

---

Tone and Atmosphere

The episode maintains a light, energetic tone. The hosts appreciate authenticity in player responses, often laughing about the candid language (“goofy,” “problematic”). They transition easily from humor to more serious topics, especially when discussing growth, leadership, and the evolving culture within the Texas football program.

---

Summary Takeaways

• The Texas locker room is full of personality, unity, and emerging leadership—not just among stars, but in every position group.
• There is a genuine sense of excitement around Justice Terry, as well as high internal standards.
• Growth, on- and off-field leadership, and culture were recurring themes.
• The hosts do a strong job of drawing out less-clichéd, more personal anecdotes that provide a real sense of team chemistry for fans.

---

For more insider content, visit InsideTexas.com or check out their YouTube channel.

Transcript

[Mark Cameron]

If you're on the hunt for your next action packed thriller, check out Backtrack by New York Times best selling author Mark Cameron. The story follows Ricky Lee Pink, a criminal who spent years in prison plotting his revenge after a botched 5 million dollar diamond heist. And the man he blames is gone. So now he's coming after his grandson, U.S. marshal Arlis Cutter. Their showdown unfolds aboard a massive cruise ship in Alaska's Inside Passage where Arlis has to stay one step ahead or risk becoming the last Cutter standing. If you're into fast paced action with authentic law enforcement detail, Bactrack is definitely your next read. It's available right now wherever books are sold. Dive in.

[Firestone Auto Care Spokesperson]

These days you've got two buying a new car or making the one you've got run like new. We know which one we choose. That's why at Firestone Complete Auto Care we have thousands of ASE certified technicians nationwide trained to spot an issue with your car before it becomes a problem. No matter the make or model, get more out of your car. Firestone Complete Auto Care Call or go [e-mail] to book today. Your vehicle doesn't just get you from here to there. It's a bridge to the people and places that matter most. It's how you show up for your family, your community and everyone else that depends on you. That's why for 125 years Firestone has been building tires with one thing in to deliver products that are as reliable as you are. Firestone always dependable since 1900 it said everything happens for a reason. But maybe everything happens for a rhesus. Take noise canceling headphones. Do they block hearing to heighten taste? That sound seems to show everything happens for a rhesus.

[Shell Sweepstakes Announcer]

What would you do if you could get more? More dinner parties with friends, More gear for your garageband, More places to discover. What would you do if you could get more at Shell this summer with the Phil Lucky Sweepstakes? Stop by Shell, scan the QR code at the pump and enter for a chance to win $100,000 or free fuel for a year. No purchase necessary. Ends 11:59pm Central Time August 28 open to USDC residents 21 plus visit Shell US Phil lucky for rules and entry details.

[Host 1 (Possibly Paul or Tyler)]

Welcome back to the Inside Tex channel presented by Inside Texas.com we're here on the 40 acres. Day two of fall camp just concluded. Tyler next to me, Cord as well talking to some players this time. We talked to Steve Sarken yesterday. You can Check that on the Inside Texas YouTube channel today. Hero, Hero, Kanu, Jelani McDonald, Ryan Niblett. And before we get into it, make sure you're going over to insidetexas.com checking out our 75% off fall camp sale. Best sale we've probably ever had. Get all the information that all of us are writing about team and Paul Wadlington's book Thinking Texas Football 2026 Longhorn preview. Make sure you're checking those out. Guys, let's get right into it. Really good conversations with all three of these players. Not maybe the three most notable guys. You think of the Mannings, the Wingos, the Coleman's, the Simmons. But these are all three good interviews. And I think what really stood out and what was pretty funny for us was hearing them describe their position rooms. Tyler, the running back room. They asked Ryan Niblett now who's is playing fully at running back, how he described it and what was the word he used? How did he explain this room to them?

[Host 2 (Possibly Tyler or Cord)]

He said goofy. And I don't know if you usually think of a running back as goofy because you got to be all business. You're getting the ball probably as much as anybody on the team minus the quarterback. So you got to be all business, right? But no, he said those guys like to joke around and it's an interesting dynamic because you do have the veterans and Relique Brown and Hollywood Smothers, but then you have the guys in the middle like Ryan Nibble, who's a veteran, but he's going to kind of answer to those other two guys in terms of who's getting those carries and all that. And then the younger guys for sure are answering. You know, that's when you have some of that dynamic of, okay, is there some separation in the group or are the veterans actually talking to the young guys like James Simon, Michael Terry and the likes of Derek Cooper as well? So the mix is really cool. And I like that it's come down to a goofy environment because you want everyone to kind of be on the same page. You don't want that disconnect there. And it does not sound like there is one. So all systems go with the new the Texas running backs, goofy as they may be.

[Host 1 (Possibly Paul or Tyler)]

And you, you can find it on some of our Twitters. And I pointed it out, like Relique Brown before the the practice was even starting when they were doing their warm ups. He's dancing around to some young boy song and he and Smothers seem like they're inseparable at all times since they've gone on to campus is what you want to hear, Tyler, about a running back room. But Court, I'd argue that Hiru Kanu's description of the D line room is even funnier. You know the reporter, I believe it was, you asked him, right? I was like, you. You kind of said like, hey, he said it was goofy. What. How would you describe one word about D line room? Conor's kind of going, contemplating. He goes, but what does he say? Cor?

[Host 3 (Possibly Cord or Paul)]

Well, after about a half a minute deliberation, which I really respected that he's given us his real answer there. He called them problematic. And naturally, Tyler and I talking before we came on the, the show here, you know, naturally, you think that implies

[Host 1 (Possibly Paul or Tyler)]

for the football field.

[Host 3 (Possibly Cord or Paul)]

Right. But he was pretty quick to let us know, hey, maybe a little bit audit off the field. They're having their fun. Very, very lively personality from Hirokanu had a lot to say about a variety of different things. Man, that was a fun guy to get to sit there and listen for a little bit. But yeah, I mean, pretty much problematic. That's what he said. A lot of, lot of high praise for several different guys on the D line.

[Host 1 (Possibly Paul or Tyler)]

Yeah, he definitely clarified, like, it does mean getting to the quarterback. Kind of problematic. Getting, getting the mix. But it sounds like there's a lot of competition between them and that's kind of where it gets maybe some trash talk. I would. If he's including Colin Simmons in that room, clearly that's what he means. But there's another guy who we have to highlight because we heard a pretty crazy phrase being thrown out about Justice Terry, who we've already kind of outlined as a breakout candidate and someone who was really impressing these last two days of fall camp. Khanu says he's a generational talent and that's a lot to say about a second year defensive lineman who only played about 80 snaps last year. Tyler, what was your impression about how Terry's been playing in camp, but also what Khanu said?

[Host 2 (Possibly Tyler or Cord)]

Yeah, he looks the part, obviously, that's number one. All of the reporting coming into camp, you knew that he would be a guy to watch. And then you get out there and it kind of reaffirms that you're like, okay, yeah, he moves different, he looks different. It's all of those different types of things. But then you hear someone like Kanu, who got the playing time last year and has been in college football for a minute now and knows what it takes to get onto the field, knows what it Takes in camp practices like this to stand out to your coaches and whatnot. So to hear him say that about a second year player who has not really been through all of those ropes and has not had all of those things presented to him, that's when you know you're talking about somebody who is different. Because usually when you ask a veteran player to talk about a freshman or a second year player, they'll give you the cliche stuff like yeah, he's coming along, he's getting better, his time is coming. General generational means his time is right now. And I think that's what you and I both agree on that like at Some point in 2026 it will be Justice Terry's time.

[Host 1 (Possibly Paul or Tyler)]

Yeah, I was just about to ask that question. You cord like what is his role? How early are we going to see Terry on the field and how often do you think this is someone that maybe like KU feels like such a solidified starter but like we're seeing pretty much every snap Terry is a starter by at some point in the year.

[Host 3 (Possibly Cord or Paul)]

It kind of feels like late in the year that could be a realistic possibility. You know what I mean? And again we talk about situations on inside Texas where he might be excel in a pass rushing department. Third downs, getting in as a. The pass rush in DT as you and I kind of talked about a little bit. I mean there was multiple Justice Terry comments by Hirokanu. It makes me think like hey, that lie really is coming on. He had to get a little bit bigger, a little bit stronger, deal with the rundowns. Seems like by mid to late season you're going to see a ton of Justice Terry for Texas.

[Host 2 (Possibly Tyler or Cord)]

Yeah, there's two things that he also said about the defensive line as a whole that makes you think Justin ter Justice Terry's time is coming. He said what's different about this Texas defensive line? The depth and and what does that feed into packages for different players. You're not just going to roll the same people out there. So get ready to see Justice Terry probably and some other guys as well who come of fit that role of hey he's a package player. We can get him on the field in this situation.

[Host 1 (Possibly Paul or Tyler)]

Yeah, called Zion Williams the strongest player on the team pretty quickly, pretty easily 505 front squat. But she was joking like he's got to take a plate off when he's doing his front squat. Which is quite funny. Would you have a comment on that?

[Host 3 (Possibly Cord or Paul)]

I have to say one more comment that he made throwing high praise a guy on the opposite side of the ball. He said that Lawrence Seymour has elite feet. That's. That's a pretty strong comment there and I definitely would love to hear that. But he was asked what kind of guys on the other side of the ball or kind of, you know, the new guys are really how they're getting acclimated. And he was very, very praiseful for Lawrence Seymour.

[Host 1 (Possibly Paul or Tyler)]

Yeah, I mean, Condu is the kind of guy as people have known from his just year, this past year as a transfer coming into the program as someone very programmed for us, very teammate oriented. But you know, Steve Sarkeesian talked to us yesterday about these five star teammates that need to come around. Like there's a lot of four and five stars on the roster, but they need that five star culture, five star teammates. And it's another one of Sarks kind of terms to talk about his culture. But it really feels like with this group, we kind of got that embodiment right. Like a transfer in kanu, like a late transfer in his career, already kind of a leader on the defense last year, even more stepping up, Jelani McDonald, one of the more elite recruits and has been kind of streamlined there. But Ryan Niblet, someone who's kind of a role player in a way, special teamer. These are the guys that are presenting the first talking points of this of fall camp to the team. I think that really stands out to me. Tyler, I don't know about you.

[Host 2 (Possibly Tyler or Cord)]

Yeah, Jelani McDonald, you see him before the practice, he was another guy that was amped up. He actually did the breakdown that Arch Manning did yesterday. And I mean, I don't want to slight Arch in any way, but I think Jelani McDonald's was a little bit more intense and exuberant and whatnot. And. But then you get him in the press conference setting and he's a little bit more reserved and quiet and, you know, I wouldn't say calculated with his words, but definitely introspective with the way that he was talking. And then his funniest quote was, what makes you a five star guy? He said, I don't know, I'm just, I'm just a good guy. Like that's who I am. And to your point, I think Sark has accumulated a lot of those and that's intentional because when you're chasing championships, everything has to come together. And that's something that Sark mentioned yesterday as well. It can come together when you have a guy like Jelani McDonald who probably wasn't afraid to just kind of let Michael Taft be a leader last year for the secondary. And then with Ryan Niblet, it's like look at everything he's doing in special teams. He could be saying I want the board, the ball more on offense. Doesn't need to do that because five star guy hero con five star guy. I think they're all over on this Texas roster.

[Host 3 (Possibly Cord or Paul)]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly Paul or Tyler)]

And these aren't even the kind of frontline leaders you think of the three that went to SEC media days. We haven't gotten a chance to talk to Cord, but let's finish on Niblet because this is someone who spent a lot of time talking about his daughter who's turning 1 years old pretty soon and talking about I think 18 days is her birthday. Brought a stuffed animal to, to kind of keep her close to him. With with fall camp going around, just what have your been impressions of Niblett as a player and as a person that at who's grown over his four years at Texas because he's really now a veteran on this team.

[Host 3 (Possibly Cord or Paul)]

I mean almost, it almost makes you proud. And I mean first off, happy birthday Romy. First birthday always a big thing, right. But you can, you can see the proudness on his face not to just not just be a dad, but to be at this university playing for Texas. A lot of maturity out of Ryan Niblet. Having a child will help you grow fast. But I love that he said he was talking to his teammates about how much more it means to him now what he has, he has extra motivation who he's playing for. And so I love to just see the, the natural maturation that he's made. He did say, you know that there are plans to get him the ball a little bit more, a little bit more involved on the offense. Obviously not going to disclose much more than that. And then he also let us know the Kentucky game, which might not have been music to any Texas fan or media's ears, said the Kentucky game of a year ago was his favorite game. Just really overall excited to see what Ryan can do. Not from just a punt return standpoint. I think he's a real forming his own way into a leadership role for Texas.

[Host 1 (Possibly Paul or Tyler)]

Yeah, you're going to hear all three of those names called a lot. And you as you should know, go over to insidetexas.com check out that 75% off fall camp sale. Read everything that we have to write about this great Texas Longhorn team as they're kind of making that push to build into a championship roster. Check out Paul's book as well. The Longhorn Prospectus 2026 Texas Longhorns preview and thank you all for watching Inside Texas YouTube channel powered by Inside Texas. We'll catch you next time.