Aug. 24, 2008

Longhorns junior offensive tackle Adam Ulatoski is taking on two new roles in 2008. With last year's starter Tony Hills in the NFL, he's now the team's starting left tackle and responsible for protecting quarterback Colt McCoy's blind side. He's also accepted the challenge of serving as the Longhorns insider, giving his insights throughout the 2008 season.

Aug. 24:

The team and I are impatiently waiting for Saturday to get here. After a couple weeks of practicing against our own team and the monotony of the daily grind, we are ready for something new. The team has used these past weeks to grow together as individual football players as well as gel together as a team. The chemistry of this team is amazing. We are like one big family. No one is safe from getting made fun of, but everyone takes the jokes with a grain of salt. We like to push each other's buttons, but we are the first to help a teammate when they need it. I feel the jokes and the chemistry will really help our team because if you aren't having fun playing the game, you probably won't play well.

We know that we have a long, tough road ahead of us and camp is the foundation that will keep us prepared for the upcoming weeks. As an offensive line, we have seen so many different fronts, blitzes and schemes that we feel ready for anything. Preparing for all of these things has us primed for the different looks we get during the season.

This camp has been more physical than our past camps. We have seen ourselves progress on film and now we are focusing on consistently being good to become great. The offensive line is such an eclectic group of guys. We all come from such different backgrounds, but still manage to relate to one another and have a great time. Sometimes things need a little explaining (like when Britt uses some crazy analogy he heard back in Kilgore), but we all love to be around each other and have a good time.

I am so excited to be playing football again. Having to sit out in the spring really tested my patience because I got to see all my teammates playing football and having fun while I sat on the sidelines. Battling through injuries gave me a different perspective. I really appreciate the time I have. I am trying to take everything one play at a time and focus on getting better every snap. I used to take all the practices for granted, but now I feel I have a better outlook on things.

I can't wait to see all of you on Saturday at our new stadium. The view from the field is just awe-inspiring. We are excited about everyone showing up to watch us play Florida Atlantic. Saturday can't get here soon enough!

Hook 'Em,
Adam Ulatoski