Takeaways from Texas Longhorns head coach Tom Herman’s availability Monday:
‘The Eyes’ controversy continues
With a 2–2 record, and back-to-back losses to unranked teams and a football season that’s powering through a global pandemic, all the talk seems to remain around the University of Texas' controversial school song.
Texas athletics director Chris Del Conte made his feelings crystal clear last week on whether or not the players should remain on the field for “The Eyes of Texas.” In a post-practice meeting with Texas football players, Del Conte reportedly told the team he expected them to stand on the field after the game while the song is played.
“He did a great job not only talking to our guys about the expectations and the importance of thanking our fans, who the players truly do love,” Herman said. “I think the general pulse of the team is that we’re in as good a place as we’ve ever been right now as a team.”
Herman that neither Del Conte nor himself have mandated that anyone stand for the school song. When asked if there was a general consensus as to whether or not the team will participate after Saturday’s home game against Baylor, Herman didn’t make any conclusions.
“I don’t have an understanding,” Herman said. “The only understanding I have is that we as coaches have encouraged them to appreciate and respect our fans.”
That is the word that Herman focused on when peppered with questions about “The Eyes” — appreciation. He said that he has tried to educate the team and show them the tangible benefits of recognizing and appreciating the fan base after games, but at the end of the day, it is up to each individual.
“I want to make it very clear that our coaches, not just in football but in every sport, and our administration are completely aligned,” Herman said. “We’ve been communicating all summer, in terms of expectations of what postgame should look like.”
Whittington sidelined again
Yes, this press conference sounded like a broken record for many Texas fans. Jordan Whittington has simply not been able to stay on the field in his time with the Longhorns. The wide receiver made his first start two weekends ago and led Texas in receiving in its four-overtime loss to Oklahoma. But Herman said that he’ll be sidelined once again after a “freak” hip flexor sprain.
“This is a violent game, and it takes a toll on your body, but none of these injuries are even close to being career-ending,” Herman said. “He was down in the dumps when he got the news yesterday, but you’ve got to bounce back and do the rehab.”
Whittington missed the first two games of conference play when a knee injury saw him sidelined, but he made a remarkable recovery to be ready for the matchup against Oklahoma. Herman is hopeful that he can recover once again to be a major contributor.
“This guy came back from a knee scope in two-and-a-half weeks to be the leading receiver for us against the University of Oklahoma,” Herman said. “It is discouraging, and we feel for him, but my message to him is he’s got a long career.”
Aranda’s longtime friend
This may be Dave Aranda’s first year coaching in the Big 12 since he was a graduate assistant at Texas Tech in 2001, but the Baylor head coach and Herman go way back.
The two were on the same California Lutheran football team in the mid 1990s until Aranda was forced to hang up the cleats due to injury concerns. He became a graduate assistant with the Kingsmen, and his coaching career was launched from there.
“Dave very quickly transitioned into being a student-coach, and I think all of us players at the time knew he was destined for greatness,” Herman said.
According to Herman, he and Aranda have remained friends since their playing days together in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Aranda’s Bears have struggled so far this season just to get on the field — Baylor has played just two games after several COVID-19 outbreaks.
“In my opinion, he’s doing a great job,” Herman said. “I couldn’t imagine being a first-year head coach and having to go through a year like this.”
Injury update
Defensive back Chris Brown, receiver Brenden Schooler and tight end Brayden Leibrock — expected back in practice on Tuesday
Defensive lineman Reese Leitao, defensive back Tyler Owens and defensive back Caden Sterns — practiced last week
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