Can Tom Herman build momentum on the 40 Acres?

As spring football begins across the state, we’re examining the big questions for each program as they begin their set of 15 offseason practices. Next up: Texas.1. Who gets the edge on the quarterback job? And will both stay? Sam Ehlinger threatened to tighten a vice grip around the starting QB job at various points during his 2017 freshman season, but he was also prone to make the big mistake. His late interception gave Texas Tech life in the regular season finale, and he completed just 57 percent of his passes. However, he was also the entirety of Texas' running game last season. Shane Buechele is a slightly more refined passer, but can Ehlinger change that? He has an opportunity in spring to show his progress and catch up. Ehlinger's legs make him a better fit in Tom Herman's scheme, but if the offense can establish a running game, it won't need his legs as badly as it did last season. It's unlikely Texas names a starter until the fall, but whoever leaves spring ahead in the race will send the other on a transfer alert leading into preseason camp. 2. Can the offensive line take a big step forward? No position unit more negatively affected the Longhorns in 2017. First-round talent Connor Williams missed most of the season, leaving a big hole at tackle. He's gone now. Development has been an issue within the program for most of the last decade, and it's hugely important on the O-line this year. Patrick Vahe is the most reliable returning option, but Zach Shackelford and Derek Kerstetter could help this line along in the spring, too. Juco transfer Mikey Grandy will compete to replace Williams at tackle and is among nine early enrollees from the class of 2018 who'll be on campus for the spring. 3. Is there a new star in the front seven? Malik Jefferson was the Big 12's co-Defensive Player of the Year and Poona Ford won Defensive Lineman of the Year honors. Both are off to the NFL, but the front seven has been a strength for the Longhorns since both became major contributors. Can defensive coordinator Todd Orlando keep it going without his two best players? He'll have to find more in the spring. Charles Omenihu is returning to campus rather than leaving early for the NFL, and he'll try to make the jump from solid player to superstar as a senior. Defensive end Breckyn Hager should be a candidate to watch in the spring after making nine tackles for loss as a junior. Gary Johnson and Anthony Wheeler could be due for big jumps as seniors, too. The Longhorns may be without Ford and Jefferson, but they'll have a ton of experience on a defense stocked with upperclassmen. 4. Do the Longhorns have a breakthrough offensive skill position talent? Texas had one receiver in the top 28 in the Big 12 in receiving and no players in the top 15 in rushing. The offensive line was a big part of that struggle, blocking for an offense that ranked 104th in yards per play. But besides some flashes from receiver Collin Johnson and backs Toneil Carter and Daniel Young, there wasn't a ton of promise from the burnt orange offense. Will more emerge in the spring? Do either of those trio make the leap? Or Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Devin Duvernay and John Burt become forces in the passing game? How good can Carter and Young be? Ultimately, the offensive line may hold the answer to these questions. And as for young, completely unproven talent... 5. Is recruiting an immediate fix? The Longhorns' 2018 class ranked third nationally. Last year's small, rushed class was 25th, but the 2016 class ranked sixth nationally. The Longhorns have a lot of unproven talent on the roster, but this year's class is full of talent that could make an immediate impact. Do safeties Caden Sterns and B.J. Stern play their way into a rotation? Can Brennan Eagles do the same at receiver? And what about quarterbacks Cameron Rising and Casey Thompson? Ayodele Adeoye should be in the mix to replace Jefferson at linebacker, too. All those newcomers will be on the field this spring, and any can have a big impact on Texas' immediate hopes of rebuilding under Herman. More big questions for spring football: