Christian Jones And Longhorns Offensive Line Chasing Prestigious Honor In 2023

Few players have earned the same amount of respect on Texas' roster as Christian Jones. When he speaks, players listen. 

Everyone knows who Jones is in the building. Most folks know him around Austin. They should. He's entering his sixth season on the Forty Acres. He's been through two different coaching staffs and has 35 starts under his belt since 2018. 

"I've been here longer than some of the bricks on the building," Jones joked with reporters Thursday after practice. 

Jones knows this is his final year with the program. Individually, he's doing everything to stay conditioned and in the right mindset to help the Longhorns claim their first — and final — Big 12 title since 2009. But from a team aspect, what excites Jones is the youthful feel in the trenches. 

"Our whole room is extremely deep and extremely talented," Jones said. "These guys are ready to go. I'm happy to be here and see the growth." 

Nothing is set in stone according to offensive line coach Kyle Flood. He wants "good on good" in practice before deciding on his offensive line. 

Those around the problem view this as a good thing. Texas returns all five starters who allowed just 19 sacks last season. Jones is the old man in the room. The remaining four could be trotting out Week 1 in 2024 when Texas calls the SEC its permanent home. 

Continuity and cohesion and must-haves in the trenches. The projected starting five have played at least 13 games in their tenure. They understand the nuances of the little things; footwork, pad level, hand placement, among countless other things. 

"The offensive line's goal is to win the Joe Moore Award," Jones said. "We want it, we're pushing for it, and we got to let our play on the field speak for itself." 

Handed out to the top offensive line in college football, the Moore Award has gone back-to-back years to Michigan, a two-time Big Ten champion and College Football Playoff participant. Was the postseason persona a stepping stone for the Wolverines? Perhaps, but the team also ranked fifth in rushing behind the legs of Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. 

Texas, which featured the duo of Doak Walker Award winner Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, ranked 36th. 

A team is only as strong as its weakest link. Jones thinks the offensive line isn't perfect, but the "good on good" mantra rings true, even for the youngins. Should Hayden Conner or Cole Hutson struggle, D.J. Campbell and Neto Umeozulu are waiting in the wings. 

The same goes for behemoth 6-5 sophomore tackle Cam Williams. 

"Confidence and physicality," Jones said of Campbell's growth. "You start being able to play free once you understand the playbook." 

Football is a team sport, but a select few receive distinguished individual honors. Jones is one of them entering the 2023 season after being named to the Wuerffel Trophy watch list. The award is given out to the player that best exemplifies community service with academic and athletic achievement. 

When asked about his role in the community, Jones gushed over the chance to spend time with the locals of Austin. After all, everyone knows his name by now. 

"I'm extremely thankful for it, simply just to be recognized," Jones said of the honor. "I have a lot of high and lofty personal goals, and I'm glad to tact that on." 

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