Which Returning Texas Starter Faces the Most Pressure This Season?

There are still a few things that need to fall into place before the season begins.

Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Cole Hutson and offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Pressure is a common theme with the Texas Longhorns. A standard of excellence follows every player who arrives in Austin. It's an unavoidable feeling, and those high expectations will not leave Texas this season.

Of course, head coach Steve Sarkisian and quarterback Arch Manning assume a bigger burden. It comes with the territory. But that doesn't mean some returning starters aren't under pressure to perform.

The Longhorns have some of the top roster retention in the country. They brought back a plethora of key contributors, but these next few weeks are very important for one player.

Brandon Baker Has to Live Up to Expectation

Texas Longhorns lineman Brandon Baker. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Meullion-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Brandon Baker will slide over to right guard after some of the offseason moves Texas made. Sarkisian brought in Melvin Siani as the expected starting right tackle.

Moving to right guard isn’t as easy as it sounds. On the 3rd and Longhorn podcast, Baker talked about the difference in players that he’ll be matched up with. 

“The biggest transition, being from tackle, you’re dealing with a lot of quicker guys,” Baker said. You’re anticipating things to happen in a snap, but now at guard, the movements are happening a lot faster because the contact is happening now, but the players are slower.”

That makes these next few weeks of fall camp important for Baker. He has the physicality and skills to succeed, but understanding the nuances of the position will be important.

Everyone Must Step Up

Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Cole Hutson. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Ultimately, it's not just Baker who must step up on the offensive line. The entire unit has to come together over the next few weeks. Texas will play stout defensive fronts this season, and they have to be ready.

Baker is making a positional change from tackle to guard. The weeks leading up to the opening game kickoff are important. Goosby has received tons of hype this offseason, but talk can only travel so far. The Longhorns' left tackle has to step up and nail his assignment each snap.

It's not hyperbolic to say the fate of Texas' season rests on the offensive line. There are multiple moving parts, and if they can't protect Manning, it could be a long season for Sarkisian's group.

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