Texas Football: Way-too-Early 2022 Depth Chart Projection

Nov 26, 2021; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and players sing the Eyes of Texas along with fans after a victory over the Kansas State Wildcats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports /

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Alabama tight end Jahleel Billingsley (19) tries to hurdle Cincinnati safety Ja’von Hicks (3) in the 2021 College Football Playoff Semifinal game at the 86th Cotton Bowl in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.] College Football Playoffs Alabama Vs Cincinnati /

Tight End

Starter: Jahleel Billingsley

Backup: Gunnar Helm

This is an interesting position for Texas. One way to look at it is they got a very athletic and talented tight end transfer in Jahleel Billingsley from Alabama. Billingsley had a role in the historic 2020 offense that propelled Alabama to win the national championship under Sarkisian as offensive coordinator.

On the other hand, Billingsley seemed to fall out of favor with Alabama head coach Nick Saban. It seemed to be a combination of effort and attention to detail that plagued Billingsley last season. If he comes to Texas ready to be the big-time player he is capable of being, this is another talented option for the Texas offense. If not, Texas might have to use fewer tight ends in the offense.

The backup duties are likely going to fall on 2021 three-star recruit Gunnar Helm. Helm has not recorded a reception and might not be ready to be a big contributor yet, but the opportunity is there for him.

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