Four questions facing Texas

1. HOW MANY FRESHMEN WILL PLAY?

Seven of them are already slated to start for the Longhorns — receiver John Burt, left tackle Connor Williams, right guard Patrick Vahe, middle linebacker Malik Jefferson, outside linebacker Edwin Freeman, cornerback John Bonney and punter Michael Dickson.

Another seven are listed second on the depth chart: quarterback Jerrod Heard, left guard Elijah Rodriguez, defensive end Derick Roberson, outside linebackers Cameron Townsend and Anthony Wheeler, cornerback Davante Davis and free safety P.J. Locke.

2. HOW WILL MALIK JEFFERSON PERFORM?

His is the most anticipated debut for a Texas freshman in some time. Jefferson, the state’s No. 1 recruit last year from Mesquite Poteet, enrolled early this spring and made several big plays in the Orange-White scrimmage. But he also made mistakes, and graded out the lowest among all linebackers. He was recruited as an outside linebacker, but will start on the inside due to Dalton Santos’ injury.

3. WHEN WILL JERROD HEARD ENTER THE GAME?

Heard will play, but when? Longhorns coach Charlie Strong said there is a plan, but he wouldn’t reveal it to the media this week. This much is known: Tyrone Swoopes will start. It’s anyone’s guess when Heard, a redshirt freshman, will get his first shot at running the offense or how long he’ll stay on the field.

4. HOW MANY BIG PLAYS WILL THE OFFENSE MAKE?

And by big plays, we’re talking about gains of 20 yards or more. Last season, the Longhorns ranked 101st nationally in that category, managing just 47 gains of 20-plus yards. Explosive plays will help measure the effectiveness of Texas’ new spread offense.