BEVO BEAT Football
The Texas 22: Starting at wide receiver — Lil’Jordan Humphrey
He starred as a running back in high school, but the Southlake Carroll product's size, skill set has made him a dangerous threat as a receiver.
Posted August 24th, 2018
We’re breaking down what we think will be Texas’ starting lineup. We’re doing two a day, one offensive and one defensive player, in alphabetical order on both sides.
Lil’Jordan Humphrey
Junior wide receiver, 6-4, 225
High school: Southlake Carroll
Signing class: 2016
Career games: 22
Career starts: 6
Career numbers: 39 receptions for 446 yards and 1 touchdown
Who he was — before Texas
Humphrey was a swiss-army knife for Southlake Carroll, excelling all over the field and becoming a two-time all-state selection. He ended his high school career ranked No. 53 on the 2016 Fabulous 55. He was the District 7-6A offensive player of the year as a senior when he finished the season with 1,292 yards rushing and 57 catches for 876 yards. He tallied a total of 22 offensive touchdowns. It was unclear whether Humphrey would become a wide receiver or running back at the college level.
Humphrey was nearly as impressive as a junior. He rushed for 1,828 yards and 29 touchdowns, adding 26 catches for 285 yards and three touchdowns in 2014. He was also a star on the basketball and in the high jump at Southlake Carroll. Humphrey committed to Charlie Strong as a wide receiver after spending his entire career at running back because of his height and jumping ability.
Who Humphrey has been here — so far
Humphrey made a minimal impact as a freshman in 2016. He spent most of his time on special teams, finishing the year with just two catches for 15 yards. He morphed into an honorable mention All-Big 12 player as a sophomore after catching 37 passes for 431 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 41 yards and passed for 27, continuing his reputation as a jack-of-all-trades on the football field. He started six of the 12 games he participated in as a sophomore.
Who Texas needs him to be this season
There’s no doubt Humphrey is one of the most intriguing athletes on the entire roster. Tall, athletic, quick step, versatile. This was a do-it-all athlete in high school. Why isn’t he doing it all at Texas? Texas coaches, including the head coach, have asked themselves the same question.
There’s a strong possibility that Humphrey won’t come off the field much this season. He caught 37 passes for 431 yards last season and rushed for 41 yards and scored a touchdown. This is a player who simply needs the ball more. Heck, let him throw it a few times, too.
Filling in the lineup
So far …
THE OFFENSE
QB: Former Westlake star Sam Ehlinger was born to lead the Longhorns
RB —
WR —
WR: He catches, he runs; Lil’Jordan Humphrey gives UT versatility
WR: Jerrod Heard’s journey to wide receiver has been a winding one
TE: Andrew Beck is eager to return from last year’s injury
LT: Calvin Anderson is back where he started (playing football in Austin)
LG —
C —
RG —
RT —
THE DEFENSE
DE: Texas hopes Breckyn Hager can revert to the 2016 version of himself
DT —
DL —
DE —
LB —
LB: Gary Johnson’s favorite destination spot? Wherever the ball is.
LB —
CB: Kris Boyd: Is the former Gilmer star ready to be UT’s alpha corner?
CB: Davante Davis gives Texas experience at the corner spot
NB —
S —
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