Quick notes and quotes from Colin Simmons, CJ Baxter, Jelani McDonald, and Ryan Wingo

Texas made Colin Simmons, CJ Baxter, Jelani McDonald, and Ryan Wingo available to the media after practice on Thursday. Here are a few notes and quotes from their press sessions.

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Colin Simmons

“I would say I’ve really paid attention to the little things this offseason,” Simmons said. “My eyes, the IQ of the game, everything that’s a part of the game.”

“Confidence, you’ve gotta have confidence in yourself to be in the trenches with the big dawgs,” Simmons on what it takes to play on the defensive line in the SEC.

Colin Simmons: “You will definitely see my hand in the dirt.”– Mentioned LaAllan Clark sees Simmons’ get-off as faster in in a three-point stance compared to when he’s standing up.

Colin Simmons says the goal for the Texas EDGE room is to lead the SEC in sacks.

Does Colin Simmons think he can beat Kiki DeAyala’s single season sack record? — “I think I can do anything I put my mind to.”

Colin Simmons on Colton Vasek: “Don’t let his injuries and don’t let his past fool you. He looks great.”

CJ Baxter

CJ Baxter: “I’m not glad that I got injured, but I’m grateful for what it did for me mentally, physically, spiritually.”

CJ Baxter on Chad Scott, said Scott gave Baxter one of his early offers. — “Coach Scott came in, and he’s a great coach. I’m not just saying that. He’s a great developer.”

“The man above, my faith,” Baxter on what got him through his first major injury.

“She’s tough. She played on a torn ACL. I don’t know how she did it,” Baxter on his girlfriend, Mia Scott, winning a national title battling through a similar injury.

CJ Baxter on what he’s looking forward to on his first game: “I’m grateful to be back on the field.” — “When I do get on the field, I’m definitely going to make my plays when my number is called.”

Jelani McDonald

Jelani McDonald on his biggest area of development as a football player: “Growing more and understanding the game.”

When did Jelani McDonald start to think of himself as a DB? He says it was the leadup to the Washington CFP semifinal.

Jelani McDonald said the way Andrew Mukuba and Jahdae Barron prepared was the biggest thing he took away from the Longhorn veterans.

Ryan Wingo

Texas WR Ryan Wingo mentions speed and defensive aggressiveness took some time to adjust to at the college level. — “I think everybody hits a wall. I don’t know a specific game where I hit a wall. I was pretty consistent throughout the season.”

Ryan Wingo on Arch Manning: “I feel he proved it last year, having to get thrown in and be a starter. He’s going to be able to prove all the naysayers wrong and look great this year.”

Ryan Wingo: “Parker (Livingstone) is cold for sure. I got to watch him a lot in the spring and he was that main target. He did good with all his targets. Choice routes, he was taking them to the house. He was showing out.”

Ryan Wingo: “We’ve got a lot of great receivers in the room.”

Ryan Wingo on a young player who could surprise, mentions Daylan McCutcheon and the rest of the 2025 WRs.

On defense? Mentions Kade Phillips.