In a positive development for Texas football, head coach Steve Sarkisian announced on Thursday that offensive lineman Trevor Goosby will be available to play in the season opener against Texas State on Saturday. Goosby, who plays left tackle, is expected to take the field alongside left guard Laurence Seymore III, both of whom had been sidelined during training camp due to injuries.
Goosby, a senior standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 325 pounds, is recognized as one of the top pass blockers in college football. His return is particularly significant as he serves as the primary protector for quarterback Arch Manning, a highly touted freshman. Goosby suffered a non-contact knee injury during a practice session on August 17, raising concerns about his availability for the season. Fortunately, the diagnosis revealed a bone bruise rather than a more severe ligament tear, providing a sigh of relief for Sarkisian and the Longhorns.
During a press conference, Sarkisian praised Goosby’s progress in practice throughout the week, stating, "I thought he had a really good practice on Monday. We increased his workload on Tuesday, and he looked good again. He’s been building throughout the week, playing with good pad level and physicality. Linemen need that physicality, and I think he’s ready to play football." This positive assessment indicates that Goosby has regained his conditioning and is prepared to contribute to the team's offensive line.
In addition to Goosby, Seymore III is also set to return after missing time in training camp. Sarkisian acknowledged the importance of both players in the upcoming matchup against Texas State, which is scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff at Royal-Memorial Stadium. However, with temperatures expected to reach well over 100 degrees, Sarkisian indicated that he plans to rotate in reserve linemen, including tackle Andre Cojoe and Dylan Sikorski, to manage the heat and maintain performance levels throughout the game.
Sarkisian expressed his desire to see Cojoe get significant playing time, stating, "He’s been practicing extremely well, and I think it’d be an opportunity for both those guys to get going. We’ve got to monitor Goosby’s conditioning with the heat, but Andre deserves his opportunities to play as well." This strategic approach highlights the coaching staff's commitment to keeping players fresh and effective in challenging weather conditions.
The matchup against Texas State marks the beginning of the Longhorns' season, and the health of key offensive linemen like Goosby and Seymore III will be crucial as Texas aims to establish a strong offensive front. With Goosby's experience and skill set, the Longhorns are optimistic about their chances as they look to start the season on a high note.
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