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We are just 67 days until Texas football is back and it’s time for another hot take. I’ve toned things down from last week, leaning on the reconstructed TE room today. I believe, after a frustrating season at the position, Texas will return to the level it had with Gunnar Helm and Jatavion Sanders. The difference is the production will come from four different options rather than a true TE1.
In 2022 and 2023, Jatavion Sanders topped 600 yards and Helm added another 150 yards in ‘23. In 2024, Helm hit nearly 800 yards receiving, without a consistent second option behind him. Last season, Endries had just 346 yards and the unit as a hold barely topped 500 yards on the season. This time around, Michael Masunas, Nick Townsend, Spencer Shannon and Emaree Winston represent a deep room that can combine to match the 2024 production.
Masunas is the player I expect to lead the way, likely topping at least 300 yards. He’ll be on the field consistently and I believe has more upside as a receiver than he showed at Michigan State. Townsend will consistently flank him and I expect him to top 250 receiving yards this season. His athleticism is undeniable and Sarkisian will have to get him the ball with YAC chances.
If Masunas hits 300 yards and Townsend adds 250(both of which are conservative projections), you’ll need another 250 yards from Shannon and Winston. One of the stories of spring camp was Shannon’s developments as a pass catcher and could add 100-150 yards this season. Winston has been described as “too good to keep off the field” this offseason. He will get chances for big plays in 2026 and I expect him to take advantage.
This Texas team does not lack for ability at WR or RB. That being said, the special Steve Sarkisian offenses have potent receiving threats at TE. In the past, it’s been a true TE1 leading the way. This season, I expect a more “by committee” approach, with all four factors into the equation. To put a specific number on it, if this unit can top 800 yards this season, the Texas offense is likely producing at a high level.
This isn’t a take I believe is very hot. This group does lack a TE1 but it doesn’t lack options. Masunas, Townsend, Shannon and Winston will combine for a unit that can consistently exploit defenses. Especially considering the attention paid to the Texas WRs, this unit could feast all season long.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Countdown to Kickoff: TE production returns to 2024 level for Texas
Continue reading...
In 2022 and 2023, Jatavion Sanders topped 600 yards and Helm added another 150 yards in ‘23. In 2024, Helm hit nearly 800 yards receiving, without a consistent second option behind him. Last season, Endries had just 346 yards and the unit as a hold barely topped 500 yards on the season. This time around, Michael Masunas, Nick Townsend, Spencer Shannon and Emaree Winston represent a deep room that can combine to match the 2024 production.
Masunas is the player I expect to lead the way, likely topping at least 300 yards. He’ll be on the field consistently and I believe has more upside as a receiver than he showed at Michigan State. Townsend will consistently flank him and I expect him to top 250 receiving yards this season. His athleticism is undeniable and Sarkisian will have to get him the ball with YAC chances.
If Masunas hits 300 yards and Townsend adds 250(both of which are conservative projections), you’ll need another 250 yards from Shannon and Winston. One of the stories of spring camp was Shannon’s developments as a pass catcher and could add 100-150 yards this season. Winston has been described as “too good to keep off the field” this offseason. He will get chances for big plays in 2026 and I expect him to take advantage.
This Texas team does not lack for ability at WR or RB. That being said, the special Steve Sarkisian offenses have potent receiving threats at TE. In the past, it’s been a true TE1 leading the way. This season, I expect a more “by committee” approach, with all four factors into the equation. To put a specific number on it, if this unit can top 800 yards this season, the Texas offense is likely producing at a high level.
This isn’t a take I believe is very hot. This group does lack a TE1 but it doesn’t lack options. Masunas, Townsend, Shannon and Winston will combine for a unit that can consistently exploit defenses. Especially considering the attention paid to the Texas WRs, this unit could feast all season long.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Countdown to Kickoff: TE production returns to 2024 level for Texas
Continue reading...
