What We’re Looking For as Texas Fall Camp Begins

Summary

Inside Texas Football: "What We’re Looking For as Texas Fall Camp Begins"

Date: August 3, 2026
Hosts: Justin Wells & Coach Kenny

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into the start of Texas Longhorns Football fall camp for the 2026 season. Justin Wells and Coach Kenny (Charlie Williams) discuss what fans and analysts should look for as the team begins practice, how newcomers are integrating, concerns at key positions, ongoing battles with discipline and penalties, and the all-important culture and leadership in the locker room. The discussion is candid and often nostalgic, balancing expert analysis with the anticipation and hopes for the upcoming season.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

A. The Feel and Process of Fall Camp

Timestamps: [01:44 – 06:59]

• Rituals & Excitement: Both hosts express their excitement at the start of fall camp, describing the irreplaceable atmosphere, smells, and intensity of early practices.
  • "I miss the smell of the grass, the pads popping, coaches yelling, screaming, effort, sweat—the whole nine, man. It's here, it's here, bro. I'm so excited." — Coach Kenny [02:30]
• Camp Structure: Coach Kenny explains day one is fast-paced, expecting players to know the playbook due to summer installs. Fall camp builds on “player-led practices” from the offseason.
  • "First day is kind of coaches get to see what the players know, but for the most part they expect you to know it." — Coach Kenny [03:38]
  • Players rotate through a script at a quick tempo, followed by individual drills, then 7-on-7, inside run, red zone situational work.
• Integration for Newcomers: Freshmen and transfers must adapt quickly; past early enrollments help. Peers and veterans play a major role in helping new players acclimate.

B. Team Culture & Leadership

Timestamps: [08:51 – 09:55]

• Evolving Leadership: Significant progress from previous years. Multiple leaders have stepped up this season compared to a search for leaders last year.
  • "Last year everybody's trying to identify who's the leader... Well, this year... everybody's trying to step up and do their part... the biggest difference is I'm seeing multiple people be vocal and speak up." — Coach Kenny [09:06]
  • References to both “Archman” and defensive leaders like Colin Simmons, as well as transfer “Hollywood Smothers.”
• Veteran Support: Upperclassmen are more engaged in helping underclassmen, reflecting a shift from self-preservation to team development.

C. On-field Expectations: What Coaches Want to See

Timestamps: [11:24 – 14:44]

• Consistency & Execution: Even early in camp, both hosts are looking for consistency, particularly with the offense. Balanced performance in red-zone work and situational drills are highlighted.
  • "I want to hear about consistency on the offense... how you execute in the red zone... I want to hear that there's a balance." — Coach Kenny [11:24]
• Offensive Focus:
  • Justin Wells wants to see Arch Manning’s progress on short and intermediate throws, improved ball placement, and comfort under pressure.
  • Attention is paid to early chemistry, especially in the quick passing game and footwork.
  • Offensive line depth remains a watch item.

D. The Perennial Issue: Discipline and Penalties

Timestamps: [16:47 – 24:48]

• Pre-snap Penalties: Lingering frustration over recurring penalties, particularly on offense. The staff is trying new methods (unit punishment, more reps), but results have not improved.
  • "It's that at some point you got to get it done." — Coach Kenny [17:44]
  • Accountability at the player level is crucial; holding each other responsible is discussed.
• System or Personnel? The underlying issue seems to be a lack of depth—players who make repeated mistakes aren’t easily replaceable, especially on the offensive line. At Alabama, Coach Kenny notes, players could be benched; Texas hasn’t had that luxury.
  • "We haven't been there ever since he's been here. So I think that's the issue." — Coach Kenny [23:51]

E. Position Battles & Depth Concerns

Timestamps: [20:02 – 23:51]

• Safety Spot Concern: Health and confidence of returning safety Derrick Williams is a top concern, though optimism is growing due to his reported full participation in offseason work.
  • "If he can make it through off season workouts, turning, planting, cutting on his leg, then maybe he's already built enough confidence up... If we get that Derrick Williams, I think we get the Raptor back." — Coach Kenny [21:06]
• Improved Secondary Coaching: Praise for upgrades in the coaching staff and optimism for overall defensive performance, reflecting considerable depth and talent.

F. Adapting Practice Models

Timestamps: [24:48 – 28:05]

• Copycat Mentality: Some fans/media are hyping Indiana’s (Coach Kurt Signetti) less-physical practice schedule, but Coach Kenny insists every program must adapt to its personnel.
  • "He didn't reinvent the wheel. It just works for his program... you can take bits and pieces... but I don't think you can go full on... because you're not him." — Coach Kenny [26:25]
• Freshness vs. Toughness: Discussion of Georgia in a previous matchup supports the idea that lighter practices can help teams look fresher, but it varies based on situation and roster needs.

G. Young Talent & Future Pieces

Timestamps: [28:05 – 30:52]

• Landon Williams-Cowles Commitment: The coaches express excitement about the commitment of Landon Williams-Cowles, comparing him to Maurice Jones-Drew and predicting a dynamic role like Relique Brown's for USC.
  • "If you want to [see] what Landon Wiggins-Cowles is going to be at Texas, watch a little bit of Relique Brown this year. I think they'll be used similar." — Coach Kenny [29:29]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Fall Camp Vibes:
  “I miss the smell of the grass, the pads popping, coaches yelling, screaming, effort, sweat—the whole nine, man. It's here, it's here, bro. I'm so excited.” — Coach Kenny [02:30]

• On Leadership:
  "Everybody can't be the guy, the leader, but everybody's trying to step up and do their part. I think that's the biggest difference..." — Coach Kenny [09:06]

• On Integration of Freshmen:
  “The veterans are actually reaching down to the young ones. Like, hey, let me get you up to speed because we may need you during the season. You never know, right?” — Coach Kenny [08:00]

• On Pre-snap Penalties Accountability:
  "On defense, you can be replaced if you continuously have bust and mess up, right? And other spots. But off this line, we haven't been there." — Coach Kenny [23:51]

• On Practice Copycats:
  "You gotta be yourself... you can take bits and pieces from everybody... but I don't think you can go full on... because you're not him." — Coach Kenny [26:25]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:30] – Sights, smells, and energy of Day 1 fall camp
• [03:38] – How practice scripts and expectations work
• [06:59] – How freshmen and late arrivals adapt
• [09:06] – Shift in team leadership and culture
• [11:24] – What coaches want to observe after a week of camp
• [13:10] – Key points of emphasis for QB play and O-Line
• [16:47] – Ongoing struggle with pre-snap penalties and solutions
• [21:06] – Health and expectations for Derrick Williams at safety
• [24:48] – Copycat practice styles and why Texas must stick to its own path
• [29:29] – Excitement about Landon Williams-Cowles’ commitment

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Overall Tone

The discussion is a blend of excitement, realism, and deep expertise. Both hosts speak candidly about culture shifts, technical improvements, and persistent hurdles (like penalties and depth issues). They balance nostalgia for old-school football with openness to evolving practice trends and fresh faces impacting the program.

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For Further Coverage

• Fan questions and additional analysis over at InsideTexas.com
• Reference to “Thinking Texas Football” by Paul Wadlington for in-depth previews
• Next episode promises more on Texas State and early season matchups

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This summary should give new and returning fans a well-rounded sense of the current state of Texas football as fall camp begins, as well as insight into what will be key storylines in the coming weeks.

Transcript

[Coach Kenny]

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

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[Justin Wells]

Welcome to the Sunday Inside Texas Live show brought to you by Academy Sports and Outdoors. Big shout out to the fine folks Academy for sponsoring today's show and joined by the one and only Charlie Williams or Coach as you know him. And hey, we're here to talk about fall camp. Coach Williams has seen what a fall camp looks like. We're going to talk about what it all entails, especially these first couple days. Everything's getting going and then you know what we want to see out of Texas and fall camp and we'll answer you guys questions as we always do. So thanks for being here. But make sure you're also hopping over to insidetexas.com spending that $1, joining Inside Texas on three rivals and then getting half off that first year once that runs out. It's a great deal, coach. I mean it's a great deal. All the content that's out there coming out for fall camp just had LWC's commitment. Perfect time, right?

[Coach Kenny]

It's definitely a perfect time, man. Look, you get a chance to learn about, you know, about the team. You know you've been reading all off season. We've been providing great content for you guys to check out. Now it's time to put, you know, Rover meets the road, right? Is that what they say? It's time to put the pads on and, and roll out the balls, get the whistles, good blowing and ah, man, it's fall campus here. I, I don't know about most people, but I miss the smell of the grass, the pads popping, coaches yelling, screaming, effort, sweat, the whole nine, man. It's here, it's here, bro. I'm so excited.

[Justin Wells]

I do on the grass again. Something, you know, these kids today, spoiled by turf Coach, Some of them get out on turf. They never knew about that. I do on the grass, the wet paint, you know what I mean? Early morning, you know, you get a little bit on the practice jerseys, you know what I mean? Nothing beats it. You know, genuinely, the smell is just getting everybody back together knowing that you, you have a long ride in a store and hopefully it's very fun and special ride for this Texas group. Coach. But talk to us, you know, you a lot of experience Coach. First couple days of a fall camp. What's that process kind of like? I mean, obviously they're just not getting in there and just getting full into it. 11 on 11, going ones on ones or anything. But what does, how does it start out? Walk us through that process.

[Coach Kenny]

Well, honestly, you know what, it is sort of like that. I'll say this. You got your introduction to those who maybe, you know, been on it haven't been there that quite as long. They enrolled late this summer. I think it was only 1:20, 26 came on. It was Nicholas Robinson who came in this summer. You know, you got the transfer guys who just got there, they got to get up to speed. But for the most part, everybody who's been through spring, right, hey, this is the script, you know, the playbook. Let's get out here and roll. And it's about what you know and it's, it's. The first day is kind of coaches get to see what the players know, but for the most part they expect you to know it. Right. They've done installs all throughout the summer and I talked about that in the article last week, how the defense pretty much has the defenses install. They understand, they know it right? Offense by now. It's been a week. They're probably close to being done with their install right now. Of course during the season they're going to add tweaks and add on to it, but for the most part the install is there. So when you get the fall camp, day one, you got your fastball, meaning, hey, I'm calling this. This is the script. You know, we're going to go over it this morning. These are the 15 plays I'm going to call in here. And I expect you to know it, right? You got your first team, you get four plays and you rotate second team got four place and then third team, you got four plays and then we're back to first team. So they're going at a fast pace, right? That's what you kind of know it like. Then you get a break. You could go through individuals and work on individual things during, you know, the first day. And then you're Back to maybe 7 on 7, inside run, red zone, whatever the case may be. But you have your script, they expect you to kind of know it day one. And then you. I know last year we heard the famous, you know, Sark couple bombs the first day. You know, I think he was talking to Trey Owens and some other kids. And so they kind of expect you to know it. So it's, it's full speed. Go day one and fall camp, but that prepare for this, right? Because all summer, like I said, you have, you have skills and drills, right? You, you go out there maybe 10 minutes with the coaches and then they got to get off the field. The analysts and gas and interns are out there though, helping run practice. It's kind of like player led practice. You're still going through the scripts that you're going to run day one of fall camp, right? And so they've been through this multiple times. So they want to fall camp. They've been through, they've been running plays, I don't know, maybe a couple, two months now. Right. And so it's not new. It's not, it's super familiar or. But now it's the pressure because the coaches are there because now you're getting close to game plan time. And was that September when we kick over Texas State? So, look, I'm excited, man. But yeah, right now, hey, let's roll out the footballs and let's get going.

[Justin Wells]

Hey, I mean, it is time and again in protection to myself. I was really referencing like 11 on 11, like, you know, three and a half hours, like spring game, scrimmage, you know, I meant like old school spring. It's not going to have that. But yeah, they're going to have high intensity. High. And you referenced song from last year, like a little bit of color, colorful language, having a little bit of fun out there. Dude, I dig that. Like, throw me in there. I, I would love to just sit there and witness everything being said on day one because you, you got to set the tone, right, Coach? You got to put everybody in the mindset. And again, a lot of them, that they are on that mindset, they know exactly what it's going to look like. But you got to take care of everybody. That's just being a part of fall camp for the first time. Coach, as far as those guys, the youngsters, how do. How do they kind of get themselves integrated? Because again, a lot of them are early enrollees. Sarcasm type with that. And we, we love it. How does that look for a new guy doing a fall camp for the first time?

[Coach Kenny]

Man, look, it's going to be high pressure, right? It's like, man, where do I go? You probably. Your head's swimming a little bit because the fast pace. And that's why I really love when a kid graduate early and kind of gets acclimated to a program during the spring because they get that exact type of coaching. So for the most part, they should know exactly what to expect. Right? But I think the. What changes the pecking order, right? Because now you're getting ready for game season, so you might not get as many reps as you got that you got in the spring. So how do you manage that? You gotta execute on the reps that you get. Show the coaches that, hey, I know the playbook. I know what I'm supposed to be doing. I know where I'm lining up and going full speed. And so they've had a few months to kind of learn that playbook and really dive into it, right? And it's. That's what it's really about. How well are you, how comfortable are you with knowing the playbook when they're throwing new things at you? They may have added so much during the spring. New one. Keywords, right? You know, a play may be trial, right. Billy something. But now the keyword is just keyshawn. Do you know what keyshawn means now versus the whole play diagram? Play call. So.

[Justin Wells]

Right.

[Coach Kenny]

Small things like that. And I'm not sure if Texas uses boards or not, but do you understand what the boards mean when they're up? Do you know what you're reading? If somebody's signaling on the sideline, which signals are you paying attention to? Like it's, it's, it's so much, but you got to kind of dial in. And the first day, mistakes happen. Coaches may fuss at you, they may yell at you, but they know more Things happen. They're just trying to see how you handle adversity. Right. But learn each and every day. You're going to get graded on each and every practice. That when you're out there, take those grades. Don't take it personal. This is for me to get better, right. And try to learn and ask the veterans help me with this. And that's one thing I love about the culture of this team. The veterans are actually reaching down to the young ones. Like, hey, let me get you up to speed because we may need you during the season. You never know, right? So let me help you get acclimated enough to speed so that you know exactly what you're doing. And that's what I love about this team because it's a bit different. Nobody's worried about their spot. They're trying to be better as a team.

[Justin Wells]

Let me ask you to, to elaborate that on that just a little bit. Coach, let's go back one year in time. And what you're hearing about this program, what you're hearing about Texas football and really the culture and the closeness of them as they entered fall camp, is there a big noticeable difference this year compared to last?

[Coach Kenny]

I know, I know they spoke culture last year and it's sometimes you. I think that's like a cliche. Oh, yeah, we're doing great. You know, we're one. But for the most part, I feel like this year having multiple leaders. I think last year everybody's trying to identify who's the leader, who's a leader. Well, this year, people, everybody's just trying to step up. Everybody can't be the guy, the leader, but everybody's trying to step up and do their part. I think that's the biggest difference. You may have a leader in Archman, you may have a leader in defense in Colin Simmons, but then you got Hollywood Smothers who came in from different program who already has a voice on the team. Right. Speaking of, he's a veteran. Veterans are really helping lead this team and I love that. So I think the biggest difference is I'm seeing multiple people be vocal and speak up and reach back and try to help the young ones versus, hey, this is our leader, we follow him. You know, it's multiple people trying to help lead.

[Justin Wells]

And that's, that's going to be the makeup of any, you know, championship caliber team coach. You're going to have that DNA on the. Regarding culture where it's not just the coaches leading. You have a, a core of guys and it's never just like One or two. There's a course, multiple leaders, guys who have been through the trenches, you know, through program. But then also guys who are coming in and are excited to be part of something that could be special. You know what I mean? You know, referencing Hollywood smothers. And so coach are excited, man. I mean, just days away here. Real quick, guys, we're gonna, we're gonna get. Coach, what are you gonna do? Your back to school shopping? I think I've got a good idea where I'm gonna do mine. Hey, I call my style skate to the party. Can't go wrong with Nike slides. Gotta show off the muscles. You gotta show a little bit of the thigh. Right now at Academy, get up to

[Coach Kenny]

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[Justin Wells]

Got you. Cut you off, Coach. Got you there.

[Coach Kenny]

I love that. I was gonna say academy, but you played it. Hey man, that was perfect. I actually went to academy today.

[Justin Wells]

There you go, my man. And so again, big shout out to our guys at Academy for being today's sponsor. Get your back to school shopping in it is coming up way quicker. We got to do a little bit around our house than we realized. Coach, it's almost time. Fall campus here, that's a good reminder. Go to Academy, get your back to school shopping and get you some great deals there. But. All right, Coach, one week from today, you know, we're going to be through a few days of fall camp. What are a couple things that you have want to seen or heard from Texas football?

[Coach Kenny]

Consistency. I know it's early. People like, well, fall camp just started. How can you expect consistency? It's like, no, you've been doing this for, like I said, a few months now. I want to hear about consistency on the offense. I know pass don't come on right away, right? And but I want to hear about how you execute in the red zone. And then I know they blow the whistle early when they're running back. Everybody has a thud up, right? Even if you don't have full pads, they have to throw up a wrap up. Whatever the case. But I want to see about the efficiency in the red zone of the offence, how they score versus the defense. I want to hear that it's even, right? I don't want the defenses dominating, but I don't want the offense just scoring. That will either. In the red zone, right? Situational things like two minute drill, third down and fourth down conversions, like if they're working on that type of thing, I want to hear that there's a balance, right? Usually we hear Defenses ahead of the offense. Like that's why you don't hear many good things like no, I expect this offense to kind of be up to speed with the weapons they have Archman coming back. I want to hear about them winning battles early in fall camp. I think that's important because if defense is dominant again, it's like, okay, how long is it going to take this offense to get up to speed? Because we saw last year. We saw last year and I don't think that's a thing where you know, you just turn on light switch when the season comes. Right. Like I want to hear about it early and I expect that to be the case.

[Justin Wells]

Yeah. I mean again, let us know in the comments. What are some things that you guys want to hear out after one week of Texas fall camp or after a few days, you know, if we're checking in, you know, you know next Sunday. What do you want to heard over the weekend? You know Texas will be a few days into it. Then let us know because again we can. We'll answer any questions you have but also curious to hear your thoughts. We everybody has different things that they're wanting it to see or hear about this program. Coach for me, former, you know, to a Texas high school quarterback, I want to hear about Arch Manning on the intermediate and the short throws. I want to hear about proper ball placement. I want to hear that we're hitting guys in stride and then you know what Coach I want I'm paying attention to Ryan. We go making sure the hands early on. We're buttoned up, we're locked in, we're focused. And now that's one thing stud muffin. I'm with you too. We all want to hear about that offensive line. We want to hear good things. We'll find out September 5th, September 12th, September 19th, all we need to know about the O line, we'll hear a lot. We'll report as best as we can [e-mail] but I know a lot of you out there y' all are gonna are gonna and you, you have the right to, to wait and see and see what it looks like. I, I get it. I understand you know but I do feel good about this line feel good about the depth compared to a year ago with this offensive line of where that set coach. But yeah Arch man, I want to make sure you know we're dialed up good footwork on the short routes, the quick game concepts again we looked pretty good there last year. We went to 11 personnel had to by default Right. To get back in that game of Starkville. But he looked a lot more comfortable, Coach. Footwork looked better. Again, he's half a season into it as being a starter at the University of Texas. Ton of pressure on the guy and obviously early season struggles. I want that arch early on, you know what I mean? No happy feet. Again, it's practice, but comfortable. Just being comfortable and executing the little things. Right. Hate to use that word, execution, coach, but we've got to be able to play toss and catch on that quick game stuff. Because you do that again, we believe Texas is going to be able to run the football a little bit. That opens up just so many things for Texas as far as pushing the ball downfield, all the leak and, you know, double move concepts that Sark has in his bag. So adjustments in the game from Sark. I mean, again, that's going to be hard to answer in fall camp, man, but that is.

[Coach Kenny]

That.

[Justin Wells]

That's. That's a. That's a. That's definitely a fair point of something that you want to see and what that looks like, you know, during the middle of the season, because, again, the schedule is going to be tough. Excited to see this. I think it's a huge opportunity for not just archmanning this team, but Steve Sarkeesian to really, you know, prove himself against some really good defensive minds and good defensive personnel. Coach throughout the season.

[Coach Kenny]

Yeah, look, look, it's. I know everybody just wants to overlook Texas State and get right to Ohio State, but I want to see how we perform versus Texas State. But let's. Let's get through fall camp. Yeah. Hey, Justin Wells. I'm sorry. It'll forever be fall Camp, buddy. I'm sorry. That's just what it's called, man.

[Justin Wells]

What was Joe calling it? How did I miss this? What was Joe calling it?

[Coach Kenny]

I'm trying to think maybe training camp or fall training. I'm not sure what he called, but

[Justin Wells]

see, that's my thing, Coach. I'm in the middle here. I'm not. I'm not. I'm not. I'm not. Not fully with you. I'm not fully with Joe cook here. It's August 2nd, buddy, and if we're not close to fall, we're a month and a half away from fall. You know what I mean? So, wait, this. We could probably have a whole show just debating this. But apologies, Joe, Okay? I took. I took the bait and the peer pressure from my guy. My guy coach over here. Preseason camp. That's what Joe's calling it. Okay? I I'm. I'm more on fall camp than preseason camp. I don't, I haven't heard too many

[Coach Kenny]

NFL maybe preseason, but it's just, it's just different. Hey, that's what we called it, so. But everybody wants to overlook Texas State, look at Ohio State, week two. But I'm looking to see what we do versus Texas State, week one. That's important to me because we didn't look that great versus Utah or San Jose State yesterday. I mean, last year. Right. If I'm gonna be honest, Texas State has some weapons over there. They can actually do things. Making you go, let me think. We can uncover some holes that we thought, you know, we didn't have or issues that we didn't think we had. Right. I think DJ Ken and that staff and those players over there have the ability to, to do that. And so I'm looking forward to week one, but let's get through fall camp first and let's see what happens.

[Justin Wells]

Shout out. Nino, appreciate you being here, but yeah, let's. We'll see what happens. Yeah, I'm pretty excited to see Kenny and, and the Bobcats roll into dkr. It's going to be just a cool setting again, Stud muffin.

[Coach Kenny]

We'll see if.

[Justin Wells]

Crazy saying that on Sunday morning with the wife sitting next to me and not talking to her, but yeah, we'll see what that running game looks like. Long way to go. We'll find out a lot more again when the Bobcats and Buckeyes roll into town. Major improvement and pre snap penalties, brother. Living rent free. I'm begging and praying. I saw every morning for the last. I don't feel like four years. I've been praying for just a couple less pre snap penalties again, Coach. There's an emphasis on it, brother. We've talked about it. You know, trying to work through drills that will help out, you know, punishing the whole unit instead of just an individual as far as, you know, working extra workouts or extra run, extra reps, etc, when we did have, you know, pre snap penalties in the fall. What do you expect, man? Are we gonna be better in that department and if so, how much? It's been a bugaboo, man. It's, it's last year. There are a lot of things wrong with the offense. So it wasn't just that we're not putting it all on the penalties, but it has hurt this team.

[Coach Kenny]

Yeah, it's like sounds a bit redundant. We're working on it. We're trying new things. That's been the Case for like the last few offseasons. Like I think the biggest thing is like getting it done. Players got to hold each other accountable. Like, look, I know we got a lot of motion. Sometimes we get late in the play clock. You want to move. It's so many. You have the claps, the false claps going. Like, do I go? Do I don't go? It's like really be in tune. Like that's stuff that you should work on especially like in walk through. Especially on like Thursdays where it's slow pace before gaming. You kind of go through those things, right? You, you should have it down by now. I really don't like I can't put my thumb on like what is the issue with the discipline as far as pre stop challenges? And it always seems to come at the worst time. Like we're trying to make a drive to come back or we're trying to put somebody away and that's when it happens. It's like, it's just, I don't know if it's performance anxiety. I'm just, I'm not sure what the case is. But ultimately it falls back to the coaching staff, right? I'm not saying they're not working on it. They're not teaching them, they're not coaching them, they're not punishing them. Just like it's that at some point you got to get it done. And so

[Justin Wells]

that's the thing. It's not like they're not working on it or it's not a point of emphasis. It's just like sometimes like you maybe just have to switch how you're doing it, right? You know, change up one little thing about what you're working. And again, maybe things have worked for them in the past that aren't necessarily working at Texas or with this group or with this type of offense that they're trying to play as offense. You know, SARS offense has had to evolve a little bit as, you know, modern defenses have evolved and adjusted to like the RPO game. Right. And so I don't know, rep it in a different manner, you know. But again, we'll see. We run a motion offense with 6, 6 and 7 year olds coach and we're, we're good for about one fall started game. But I'm gonna be honest, luckily the guys here at the under the Lights league in New Braunfels pretty, pretty generous on the, the false starts and early movements which yeah, sometimes I've been mad about because the other side gets away with it. We, we do rep it Coach, we can get in there. Yeah, Listen, man, Texas State's gonna be better. That was a defense last year that was. Was really, really bad. They got a lot better in the last few games. But that's an offensive staff, man, that has weapons that Texas State has really never had before. They have guys that are different than your average Texas State team. And then they have a above average offensive mind. Well, above average offensive mind and Coach Kenny. So I think it's a fun test. I'm not saying, you know, necessarily worried about the outcome.

[Coach Kenny]

Yeah.

[Justin Wells]

But even Texas's cupcake games aren't necessarily as cupcake as, you know, most. You know what I mean? And that's not coping or anything or, you know, you know, boosting a friend, you know, let's be keep it real. That's not me. They're gonna have a good little group, man. They've got a good receivers and Brad Jackson being a dual third quarterback is going to be a bit of an issue. So fun to see that conference and fun to see them obviously part of the PAC 12 now, what they look like. But yeah, this is a huge one for me, Justin and coach. I know Evan, Evan B. Sent us. He sent us all the round table questionnaire, you know, kind of pre, you know, pre fall camp, pre preseason camp. There you go, Joe. Concerns what we want to see this and that. And this is my number one concern, Coach, just for the entire program at the moment. What does that second safety spot look? What does the health of Derrick Williams? He's healthy, but does he have the same juice that he had as he was a youngster roaming around, causing havoc in Amnon Arbor, Michigan, playing really well in Dallas and inside the Cotton bowl before he went down against Oklahoma. Yeah. What do you expect to see out of Derek, Coach? What's your feeling?

[Coach Kenny]

I want to see where it's all mental. Like you can come off a knee injury. Everybody said, oh, you come back, you're healthy. Doctors can tell you you're healthy. Are you healthy mentally? That's the key. Like, can I move without worrying that I'm gonna turn my ACL again or something like that. Right. I think that's okay. But he's going through. He's went through, you know, rehab and all the things. Off season workouts tell me a lot. If he can make it through all season workouts, I feel like he can play. If you knew the things they worked on the off season workout. Unless he's got a modification in off season workouts, which I haven't heard he has I don't, I don't have a problem with him on the field because you got to turn and run. You do a lot of things that translate to the football field and workouts. You're going full speed because you got to make it in a certain amount of time. You got to hustle and go, right? So if he can make it through off season workouts, turning, planting, cutting on his leg, then maybe he's already built enough confidence up. Say, hey, when fall Kemp comes here, I'm not worried about it. If we get that dead wins, I think we get the Raptor back, right? So I'm not, I'm not so much worried about it because I think he's made it through off season workout no problem, no issues. I think we'll see Derek Williams back to where he was and maybe I'll ask him do a lot of things maybe that he had during the past either because you got Jelani McDonald back there as well, so maybe he can play in the box or whatever the case may be. I don't think they'll put him in situations he's not comfortable with. But I think we get. I think we get close to the Derrick Williams that we have before just because he's been able to go through so much rehab and get back to the point to be able to play.

[Justin Wells]

Well said. And I think we upgraded coaching in the secondary. You know, overall tutelage between Wilmot's champion, Blake Gideon, you know, not to knock out coach Aquina or anybody else, just, I mean, being honest and sometimes, you know, lights come on or re come on, they reappear for a player, you know, I mean, again, it's just a weird time. You're off the injury, new, you know, new coaching back there. I expect to see better. It's just, you know, this is gonna Texas, man, really, really well built to have a dang good defense coach, really, really well built. So when I say that's my biggest concern of the program, I don't want to sit there and say like, oh my gosh, like I lose sleep. Like I'm really trying hard to find concerns. Derek Williams is one of my favorite prospects. Again, he's part, part of, you know, Arch mania. And I'm saying Arch is the only reason he committed. But that summer was fun. That was a fun couple weeks, you know, and Derek and Arch committed and everything started kind of popping off after that for Texas. Derek in his game and then the Raptor is about as cool as a nickname as you can have as far as College football players go, I mean that's. That's pretty elite. Coach Justin, I'll let you knock former coaches in the comments, my man. But yeah, again I appreciate coach Aquina, what he's done in the past, but obviously didn't really work out, you know, last year with the Horns. Yeah, part of it, man. Times are different. Discipline, discipline. Penalties have been the constant through all of Sark Texas teams, especially on offense. Feature not a bug. Is it a product of the system? Is it something that we just have to, you know.

[Coach Kenny]

You know what? Thinking about that everywhere else he's been. You look at Alabama, they didn't have those issues. But I think Texas, man, maybe we're not still not there on offense line, but we say, hey look, if you just continuously mess up, you just don't play. Can we do that? Can we pull a guy up? Feel like, well, you know, you continuously. We should weak week after week commit penalties. Now you get to watch. Are we at a point we can do that on offensive line? No, I don't think, I don't think we have been there ever since he's been here. So I think that's the issue. On defense, you can be replaced if you continuously have bust and mess up, right? And other spots. But off this line, we haven't been there. So you go to other places. I didn't see this at Alabama. It wasn't a problem because, well, if you mess up, you know the guy behind you who's waiting, chomping at the bit to get in and if he takes a spot and doesn't mess up and doesn't have mental bus, then you're watching for the rest of the season. So I think that's the biggest accountability to take somebody off the field and they won't get a chance to play if they continuously mess up. We don't have that option here or luxury.

[Justin Wells]

So you talk. Sign me talking to the 12 Bengals coach. I said you're not, you're not hustling, you're not playing fast, focused, smart. Got seven other dudes on the sideline who are ready. Little Jimmy, he's ready to get in the game and pull flags. Guys, you gotta. You got. If you don't have a deep offensive line, you can't make that. You can't make that threat. You know what I mean? If you don't have anybody, if you don't have a couple bodies at left guard, whoever at left guard, if he's making a pre snap penalty, if he's just a dancing bear that can't block anyone. You don't have anybody there that, that body stays out there. So that, that was an issue for Texas at times last year. A little more depth this year and again hope to see a little bit better in the penalty, you know, pre snap penalty regard especially like holding, holding calls are going to happen. SEC is weird at times with holding calls. Yeah, I'm not going to say any more than that, but yeah. Kirk Signetti show this week. Admitted limited spring camp practices during season with only walk through, walk through day. Sorry twice a week. Because there's something we can learn. It's a copy, it's a copycat league. Right. It's copycat sport. You know what I mean? Everything is passed around. You see ways of getting things done that gets passed around as well, you know what I mean? And it's, you know, coaches a part of a staff and he takes the concept or he takes, you know, idea, he takes a workout, he takes a technique somewhere else. And again, you know, you see everything, you know, it gets passed all around. Right. People like doing too much. With Kurt Signetti coach, are we like, oh, Indiana did everything this way. So it worked for the Hoosiers who obviously are football a basketball state in the basketball school or a basketball school in a basketball state. Are we, are they doing too much with Kirsten, Eddie and the Hoosiers? We trying to, we're trying to like copy that exact same blueprint. It's not going to work for everybody. Right.

[Coach Kenny]

He didn't reinvent the wheel. It just works for his program. I mean you look at the NFL, they got their hard days, they, they go at it, but most times it's walk through it at the next level. Right. Because they can't afford to get people hurt. Going full pads every day in practice during the season at the NFL. I think he's adapted to that model where some coaches think like I would say UNLV on the very older Mondays we went fast paced, but it's mostly walk through Tuesdays full on like a full game. We're hidden out there. I don't care if you get hurt. We're heading. Then Wednesdays we lighten back up and more walkthroughs again. So everybody has their own way of doing. I think you got to do what's best for you. You can try to be a copycat team or whatever the case, but like you gotta be yourself, like whatever you built your program upon, I think you do that trying to be what do it. Indiana did. I don't, I Don't know if it'll work. I mean, it could, but I don't know. You gotta do what's best for your program. You can take bits and pieces from everybody and try to learn to add it to your own way you do things. But I don't think you can go full on. Go be. Try to be cursing at it because you're not him. Also, I will say this, I don't know. Two years ago when Georgia came to Texas and played us that, that I don't know, they pretty much blew us out the first half and then we kind of made a flurry and come back there. They didn't practice like hard at all that week. Leading up to the game it was full walkthrough, right? And Kirby admitted like they didn't put pads on their dude and it was full walk through when they came out. They look fresh. They look like they were. They were on fire. You know, Jalen Walker wanted on us and the whole night it's like, man, we don't like we belong on the field with Georgia, right? And so I think there's something to it if you want your players fresh going into it because it's more of a mental game, right? If you know what you're doing, you can play faster, right? So maybe Signetti has found a perfect recipe that works for his team, but I don't think it works for every single team. You got to do it your way.

[Justin Wells]

Yeah, absolutely, man. I think you got to be yourself. You got to know yourself, your staff, your players and you know what you're capable of. And then just how to push the right buttons. Obviously pushed them perfectly a year ago. And so credit to him, but just had to ask because it was like everybody is like, well, Indiana did this, so we, we better do this and we better do it right now. And he only had 60% of, you know, three stars. So we have to, you know, I mean, again, that's not, that's not accurate. But just the way that people are acting. How do we feel about a bowling ball rolling up the field? We also like LWC too, man. It's going to be a lot of fun watching Landon and just to see it all come together. What type of scheme Sark, you know, if it, you know, if, if he is paired with Noah Roberts or. Sorry, if it's. He's sharing a field with Noah Roberts at the time. Just how Sark uses Landon Williams cows. Because I do think that the MJD comparison by boss man Eric Nolene is precise. I think it's spot on, man. What they can do in the passing game, what they can do on the ground, really good at making themselves small in between the tackles, really good at not getting hit, coach. And so he does get the football a lot. You know, throughout the first few years of high school, that's how you accumulate 7, 500 yards on the ground. But yeah, it's gonna be a lot of fun, man. And again, appreciate you guys watching inside Texas and making that a fun day. Yesterday is Texas. You know, it's gonna be a little, little bit, coach, before we see another commitment or another, you know, someone joined this 2027 class, but, man, there was a big piece of it yesterday, brother.

[Coach Kenny]

Definitely was a big piece of it. That was a huge get. I don't know if a Texas and coach Duluth man who did a tremendous job of pretty much getting Texas back in their recruitment right where they were nowhere to be found in December of last year. So, so congrats to him and the entire staff and they did a wonderful job and they. They got him. But if you want to what Landon Wiggins cows is going to be at Texas, watch a little bit of relief Brown this year. I think they'll be used similar.

[Justin Wells]

Yep, I think that's perfect. We'll see a lot of the plans for those two with what we see out of Hollywood. Really Brown. But yeah, good coverage, Coach, because it's killed it on Landon Williams college coverage. Make sure you're getting over to insidetexas.com to see who he's working on next. You probably already know. One more piece we're going to talk on before we get out of here. Coach Colby says one of the many ways you can make sure, you know, you maximize talents. You know, he's the depth. I think you're referencing the offensive line we know going back a few minutes in the show. But starters know the talent behind him wants their spot and are actually good enough to take it. Yeah, and that's something that Sark had the luxury of at Alabama. There was no portal, you know, to the extent that it isn't now. A lot of these Alabama offensive line coach, they're four stars. They were in the three deep, you know, and that are very highly motivated and again bought into the vision, avoiding their turn to get on the field. But those guys in front of them know that, hey, man, that guy looks good in practice, you know what I mean? I. I got to make sure I know the snap counts. I got to make sure I can get to the next level. I gotta make sure I can hold the edge a little bit.

[Coach Kenny]

We don't have it. We don't have that here. I think that's. That's the biggest thing. I think that you're gonna see it on defense though. Definitely will. Most champion offense, we just don't have that. You think if Cam Copenhagen was out there having mental bush, you're gonna take him off the field? No. Like it does not matter. You're not going to get pulled on offense. I think that's the biggest thing that has been consistent here. You're not getting pulled off the field from mistakes. Here at Texas, you just don't see it. No matter how bad of a game you had the previous week, you're starting next week. So maybe it's accountability, maybe it's just I don't have to dip or I don't think that next guy is better than that guy. Right. Maybe he didn't grade well in practice. I don't trust him. Whatever the case is, we just don't have that on offense. And so hopefully that changes. I feel like we got a skill position, especially coming up offense line. We're just not there.

[Justin Wells]

Yeah, I know. I would agree there too, you know, and again, even in the skill position, there are guys who, like Xavier Worthy makes a mistake. He's borderline impossible to take off the field and keep up the field for more than a snap because of what he can do for you in comparison to the rest of that Texas wide receiver room at that time. Right. Same for Bijan Robinson. You know, Roe was a great, a great hammer to Bijan's lightning when he got some hammer in him too. Bro, that's Thor, you know, but you're not going to keep a John off the field for more than a couple snaps. You know, he had the fumble at Texas Tech. It's not like, hey, we're not going to start him the next week. You know, even though that was a huge play in that loss. Again, a lot of fun today, coach. I always appreciate you doing it with me, my man. Love the coverage and make sure you all coming over to inside Texas and checking it all out. Justin, coach Eric, Ian, all the fun stuff we haven't done so yet, so we're going to do it right now. But make sure if you haven't done it yet, consider buying thinking Texas football by our guy, Paul Wadlington. A lot of fun, man. Really good Texas preview. He was diving in deep on every position group on this team. You're going to find out all you need to know about Texas opponents and it's a great deal, coach. So make sure if you haven't done so yet, go over there, check out how you can get it on. I know you get on Amazon and there's another place, but I don't know how to say it. What is it? Snapper. Snapper shot. What is it? Smash.

[Coach Kenny]

Golly.

[Justin Wells]

I have to go pull up. Yep. But there you go. If Amazon would approve it. Oh, man, I didn't know anything about that. But the link to buy is going to be in the description. So there you go. Even though I butchered. Sorry, Paul. Butchered one of the two options, I know that you can find it right now. You will have a link in the description for you to purchase that. So smash words. Justin's the man. Smash words. There it is. I'm just learning about smash words, so forgive me again. Smash you. I'm sure the folks over there do fine work, so. All right, guys, we're gonna let y' all out of here. I hope everyone goes enjoys their Sunday. I'm gonna go pick coach Kenny's brain right now. Coach Dub. I'm gonna see if I He'll tell me a little bit about what they got planned for Wilmot champ and that Texas defense as I get ready to come into DKR on September 5th and really officially get this thing started again. One more thank you to Academy. Big shout out to you guys at Academy sports and outdoors for sponsoring today's show. And make sure you're getting your back to school shopping in there, guys, and flag football with. Man, I feel like every Sunday we got to go to Academy. We're buying game balls. We're giving out. Oh, you get a game ball. You get a game ball. So those folks at Academy love to see me walking through the door. Coach, Go enjoy yourself, Coach. Go have a good rest of your day. You guys are inside Texas. Make sure that you are subscribed here on YouTube [e-mail] and go spend some time, family, friends, whatever you see fit on this beautiful Sunday. Coach, we appreciate it, my man. We'll see y' all next time here on Inside Texas. Thanks for watching it.