Wanted at Texas: versatile O-line

Players to train at multiple positions as Longhorns attempt to build depth.

At 11 letters, versatility is a big enough word for Texas’ offensive line. That group, after all, probably will use five 300-pound starters when the season begins Sept. 2.

Texas coaches recently have been preaching that their linemen need to fill multiple roles. As an example, head coach Tom Herman said last week that in the wake of junior Elijah Rodriguez’s emergence at right tackle, the other candidates for that job were getting reps at left tackle.

A few days later, Rodriguez was injured when a teammate rolled up on his right ankle during a practice. Texas announced Thursday night the 6-foot-6, 300-pound Rodriguez had successful surgery on the ankle. No timetable was set for his return.

Senior Tristan Nickelson and sophomore Denzel Okafor seem obvious choices to replace Rodriguez, since they were once considered the front-runners for the starting gig. Perhaps, though, a dark horse will emerge. As offen-