Texas Football: Top 5 breakout candidates for 2017

BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Chris Warren III #25 of the Texas Longhorns scores a touchdown against cornerback Josh Drayden #20 of the California Golden Bears in the first quarter on September 17, 2016 at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California. Cal won 50-43. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

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DALLAS, TX – OCTOBER 11: A detail of the helmet of the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl on October 11, 2014 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Another player who is facing issues, but for a different reason, this offseason is freshman tight end Reese Leitao. He has been suspended for the first two games of the season after pleading guilty to misdemeanor drug charges. Some believed Herman wouldn’t let him enroll, but he gave the young tight end a second chance.

Although he will be out for the opener as well as the San Jose State game, Leitao could have an instant impact when he returns in Week 3 against USC. The Longhorns are already thin at tight end as Andrew Beck has been lost for the season and Syracuse transfer Kendall Moore and Garrett Gray has little experience.

Cade Brewer could be another breakout candidate at this position, but I believe Leitao has a higher ceiling. He stands 6-foot-4 and weighs in at 234 pounds. He was also considered the 14th-best tight end in the 2017 class and could be a major target for Shane Buechele.

Herman has to be frustrated with the dwindling depth, but he can rest easy in Week 3 knowing that he’s getting a potential All-Big 12 Freshman back.

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