Should Texas consider more five-receiver "empty" sets in 2023?

July 23, 2023 6:22 pm CT
Texas has a terrifying collection of receiving threats heading into its final season in the Big 12. It has us thinking, “how does Texas get its best playmakers on the field?”
The Longhorns’ best playmakers this season are its pass catchers. That group includes Xavier Worthy, Ja’Tavion Sanders, AD Mitchell, Jordan Whittington and Isaiah Neyor.
Prior to an offseason injury, Isaiah Neyor was seen as the offensive piece that would unlock the best of head coach Steve Sarkisian’s offense last year. Neyor’s ability as a downfield threat could have helped Texas separate from opponents last season. Unfortunately, the Wyoming transfer never enjoyed a 2022 season of play and Texas’ offense took a hit.
Now that Sarkisian has added AD Mitchell to the fold, he has several plus players at the receiver position. Mitchell, Whittington, Sanders and Neyor are all big and sure-handed players who provide wide targets to which quarterback Quinn Ewers can throw.
We have discussed just how automatic passing could be this season. I have opined that passing could at times be as easy as handing off for Ewers with these receivers. Perhaps Texas should get all five of its best on the field as much as possible.
To be clear, Texas has good running backs. Jonathon Brooks, who averaged 6.6 yards per carry last season, is an excellent running back. Even so, five-wide formations could create a nightmare scenario for defense.
We know Steve Sarkisian loves tight ends, but this year’s group outside Ja’Tavion Sanders doesn’t command playing time over its wide receivers. Xavier Worthy has already proven he can get open with little room to operate. Sanders, Mitchell and Neyor are big enough to snag high passes on hot routes if the blitz dictates that Ewers gets rid of the football quickly.
Empty formations often telegraph the offense intends to pass the ball. With a receiver group this good, it may not matter. Texas has an opportunity to attack defenses in empty more often in 2023. Doing so could help the Longhorns offense hit a new gear.