Although we are a day late, it’s time to break down another star from the last Texas National Championship team in 2005. Ramonce Taylor highlights today’s edition and he represents something I believe this Texas team has in spades: versatility. He was listed as a running back on the Longhorns roster, but he brought much more than just carrying the rock that season.
Taylor finished the 2005 season with 500+ yards rushing, 250+ yards receiving and 15 total TDs, including one in the title game against USC. Taylor is one of the best “gadget” players to ever come through Austin, Texas. Ryan Niblett has represented that for Texas recently and it seems this season he could be unlocked even more. It’s hard to envision 500 rushing yards for Niblett but the impact could be just as important.
On top of Niblett, I believe there are three other offensive players that could fit this bill. Let’s start with freshman phenom, Jermine Bishop Jr.. He’s currently working with the defense but if expected to get the majority of his looks on offense this season. He can line up in the backfield, in-the-slot or out-wide and be impactful.
Another to watch is Michael Terry III. He’s been somewhat forgotten in the shuffle, with Hollywood Smothers, Raleek Brown entering and freshman Derrek Cooper shining. I don’t expect him to carry a large load in the run game but I do believe he can be used in interesting ways in the receiving game.
Finally, Raleek Brown represents the player that can match, and even surpass, the production of Taylor. I fully expect Brown to rush for more than 500 yards this season and Brown nearly matched Taylor’s receiving production last season. I believe he’ll be the “RB1” for this team, not just because of his rushing ability but because he can used all types of ways, even special teams.
None of this is to guarantee Texas has a Ramonce Taylor on this team. In fact, I believe they likely have three or four guys that can give them similar versatility the 2005 team had. Steve Sarkisian will have all the chances to use different personnel, formations and attack defenses in unique ways. That can be a true X-factor for championship teams.
Taylor is someone that didn’t get all the headlines but he played a major role in Texas winning a title. I believe this Longhorns team has players that can fill that. Versatility is something this Texas team has in spades and I believe we’ll see highlights that are reminiscent of what No. 11 did back in 2005, hopefully on a march to a title as well.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Countdown to Kickoff: Flash back to former Longhorns RB Ramonce Taylor
Reporting by Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
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By Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire | USA TODAY Network
