Transfer receiver Tarik Black a key addition for Texas – Houston Chronicle

AUSTIN Back when he was at Texas, media sessions with Devin Duvernay were always accompanied by knowing smirks. Thats because most times the Longhorns wideout spoke as if on a word count, just waiting to hit the limit so he could escape the web of cameras and recorders and get back to work.

Michigan graduate transfer Tarik Black probably isnt as taciturn as Duvernay, who last season led UT with 106 receptions for 1,386 yards and nine touchdowns and is now a member of the Baltimore Ravens. But theres something similar in the DNA of two receivers, both more given to introspection and stoicism than bombast.

A quiet confidence; Tarik doesnt say a whole lot, Texas coach Tom Herman said. But he has assimilated well. The team has embraced him because of his work ethic and his contribution to the team and the offense in particular. Guy is very selfless. You know, he wants to be on all the special (teams) units, volunteering to do that.

Black might replace Duvernay as the Longhorns resident silent assassin, but Herman brought the former four-star recruit in to make up for the departure of senior Collin Johnson, now with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 6-foot-3, 217-pound transfer has been jostling with junior Brennan Eagles and could start at X-receiver in next Saturdays season opener against UTEP.

As you would expect with a grad transfer, he is very mature in the way that he handles his business in terms of his preparation, his attention to detail, Herman said. When it comes to watching the video, studying his playbook, as well as taking care of his body, you know, thats a guy you just really dont have to remind a whole lot to do any of those things because of his maturity level. So were thrilled to have him.

UT and new offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich hope to have the veteran wideout on the field throughout this years altered 10-game regular season, never a given with Black.

There are the obvious and serious concerns about COVID-19 transmission, but Black has also been derailed by foot injuries ever since graduating from Cheshire Academy as the No. 1 player in Connecticut. He appeared in only 21 games over three seasons at Michigan, finishing his career there with 40 receptions for 507 yards and two touchdowns.

(Tariks) a guy that mentally has to get over the hump, Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis told the Detroit Free Press last year. He cant be concerned or worried about his past history as far as his injuries. Thats the thing Ive stressed with him Hey, dont worry about injuries, dont try to save yourself. Youve got to just try to apply yourself each and every day to be the best player that you can be.

But Black has looked smooth since Texas began practice early last month. No injury hiccups or setbacks, just a healthy and motivated senior looking for a bit of good fortune. One video UT posted on Twitter showed Black evading a couple defenders on a slant route, snagging quarterback Sam Ehlingers pass and evading corner Jalen Green with a lightning-quick head fake.

Given what Texas has seen so far, it seems Black is now playing free and loose, unencumbered by fear of injury. If he pans out stays healthy, emerges as a viable target split out wide and takes some pressure off the groups more unproven members Texas could boast one of the Big 12s deepest receiving corps.

Eagles showed promise last season, recording 32 receptions for 522 yards and six scores. Sophomores Jake Smith (25 receptions, 274 yards, six touchdowns in 2019) and Jordan Whittington look dynamic out of the slot, and both are prime targets for gadget plays. And others such as redshirt sophomore Joshua Moore, sophomore Marcus Washington and third-year wideout AlVonte Woodard will look to break out as senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger looks to identify his go-to wideouts.

But Black could become the critical X-factor, both on the field and off.

Is it a lot safer to have Duvernay or Collin in that room? Yeah, Herman said, and I think thats one of the big reasons we went out and signed Tarik Black as a grad transfer. Not that we are in dire straits in that room, but I do think its important.

Had we not signed Tarik there would have been literally no seniors in that room, no scholarship seniors. So just the experience alone that Tarik brings to that room I think will be very beneficial.

nmoyle@express-news.net

Twitter: @NRmoyle

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Transfer receiver Tarik Black a key addition for Texas - Houston Chronicle