In the world of college football, every decision made by a coaching staff can have a significant impact on a team's performance and future. The Texas Longhorns, under the guidance of head coach Steve Sarkisian and offensive line coach Kyle Flood, have made a bold move by shifting Brandon Baker, a highly touted offensive tackle, to the guard position. This strategic decision, which was unveiled during the early signing period, has sparked intrigue and raised questions among fans and analysts alike.
The Need for Reinforcements
The Longhorns' offensive line has been a topic of discussion throughout the season, with the departure of starting guards DJ Campbell and Cole Hutson leaving a void that needed to be filled. Sarkisian and Flood recognized this need and turned to the transfer portal, a relatively new strategy for them, to bolster their depth and talent.
A Surprising Approach
What caught everyone off guard was the Longhorns' approach to addressing their offensive line concerns. Instead of directly targeting guards, they hosted top offensive tackle prospects like Andrew Sprague and Mikey Bennett, and even showed interest in star transfer Jordan Seaton. This led to the signing of standout Wake Forest transfer Melvin Siani, but the real surprise came with the revelation that rising junior Brandon Baker would be moved inside to guard.
A Five-Star Talent's New Role
Baker, a consensus five-star recruit and the No. 2 offensive tackle in his class, was expected to be a starter at right tackle. However, an unexpected position battle and an injury to his competitor, Andre Cojoe, saw Baker step into the starting role. While he faced some early challenges, allowing pressures and penalties, his performance improved, and he ended the season without allowing a single sack according to Pro Football Focus.
The Staff's Vision
Sarkisian shed light on the staff's long-term vision for Baker, revealing that they always saw him as a guard. "I just think when you look at Brandon's measurables and his future in the game, he's got a guard build," Sarkisian explained. The plan was for Baker to move inside and fill the left guard position, a role that was sorely needed after the struggles of Neto Umeozulu, Connor Stroh, and Nick Brooks.
A Late Solution
It wasn't until late in the season that the Longhorns found a solution with Cole Hutson returning from injury and Connor Robertson taking over at center. This move stabilized the left side of the line, but it came at a cost, limiting Texas' running game and leaving them vulnerable in the playoff race.
Coaching Decisions Under Scrutiny
The staff's decision not to pursue a more aggressive transfer portal solution at left guard has been criticized as a monumental mistake. However, with the insight provided by Sarkisian, it's clear that they had a plan in place, and Baker's move to right guard is seen as a long-awaited solution to solidify the interior of the offensive line.
Addressing Weight Concerns
One of the initial concerns with Baker's move to guard was his weight. Listed at 308 pounds last season and 305 pounds on the spring roster, Baker is significantly lighter than the previous starting guards, DJ Campbell and Hayden Conner. Sarkisian, however, emphasized the importance of natural weight gain and maintaining balance and body control, suggesting that Baker will focus on gaining the right type of mass to improve his performance.
Scheme Flexibility
The shift in Baker's position is expected to bring about a new level of athleticism to the guard position, allowing the Longhorns to implement a more diverse offensive scheme. This includes running more outside zone plays, improving climbing to the second level on inside zone and duo plays, and becoming more effective in pulling and screen passes. The goal is to create a well-rounded offensive line that can support the team's talented running backs and wide receivers, including Arch Manning and Cam Coleman.
A Promising Future
With Baker's move to guard, the Longhorns' offensive braintrust believes they have found the solution they've been seeking. This strategic decision showcases the coaching staff's willingness to adapt and make bold moves to improve the team's performance. As Texas looks ahead to the 2025 season and beyond, the hope is that this shift in personnel will lead to a deeper playoff run and a shot at a national championship.
