Laurence Seymore's journey to becoming a cornerstone of the Texas Longhorns' offensive line is a testament to his resilience and talent. With a unique background, Seymore brings a wealth of experience to the table, having played college football since 2021 and earning accolades at multiple institutions. His story, however, is not without its challenges and intriguing questions.
A Transfer's Tale
Seymore's path to Texas was anything but conventional. After a successful stint at Miami, Akron, and Western Kentucky, he faced a critical juncture. His eligibility was in question, threatening his ability to play another year of college football. This led to a delayed enrollment at Texas until June, placing immense pressure on him to quickly adapt to the program's rigorous demands.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian's initial assessment was positive, praising Seymore's progress and his ability to connect with teammates. However, the real test would come during the preseason camp, where the competition would intensify.
Pass-Blocking Prowess
One of Seymore's standout qualities is his pass-blocking ability. Pro Football Focus ranked him among the top 50 guards nationally, with a grade of 82.6. This is a significant achievement, especially considering he only allowed one sack among eight total pressures, including an impressive performance against LSU in Week 13. His ability to hold his own against the SEC defensive line is a testament to his skill and experience.
The SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic's attention to Seymore's performance further highlights his talent. His consistent performance in pass protection has set a higher floor for the Longhorns' offensive line this season.
Run-Blocking Concerns
Despite his pass-blocking prowess, Seymore's run-blocking abilities have raised some concerns. His overall height and length are not ideal for a linemen, and his performance against LSU, where he received only 17 run-blocking snaps, suggests a need for improvement. The lack of outside zone reps and his tendency to absorb contact rather than generating power at the point of attack are areas that require attention.
The pairing with center Connor Robertson, who has below-average athleticism, further complicates matters. The need for the Longhorns to improve their running game, especially with the transfer running backs Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers, makes Seymore's run-blocking grade of 54.6 against LSU a cause for concern.
The Cojoe Factor
The situation becomes even more intriguing with the presence of Andre Cojoe, a 6'6, 339-pound redshirt junior. Cojoe's potential to win the starting job is a significant development, especially after a season-ending knee injury in preseason camp. His ability to push the battle for the right tackle role and his size make him a strong contender.
Cojoe's unproven status and limited playing time in 2024 add an element of uncertainty. His trajectory and the potential impact on the offensive line's dynamics are worth watching closely.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act
Seymore's role in the Longhorns' offensive line is a delicate balance between his strengths and areas for improvement. His pass-blocking ability sets a solid foundation, but his run-blocking concerns and the pairing with Robertson create a need for strategic adjustments. The best-case scenario might involve Cojoe's emergence as a starter, providing a different dynamic to the offensive line.
As the season unfolds, the portal misses and the need for improvement in the running game could elevate Cojoe's importance. The Longhorns' offensive line is a work in progress, and the competition for starting positions will be a fascinating aspect of the upcoming season.
