Jeff Traylor was known for his productive offenses at Gilmer, and he pulled from every system imaginable to create his offensive coaching staff at UTSA.

Traylor coached spread offenses in high school and had experience with notable offensive minds Sterlin Gilbert and Chad Morris. Offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. coached under pro style coach Bret Bielema and the spread-minded Morris at Arkansas. Receivers coach Will Stein coached under Bobby Petrino and Hank Carter. Offensive line coach Matt Mattox is part of the Art Briles coaching tree. 

“We kind of joke that it’s going to be the mutt offense,” Lunney Jr. said. “We have a unique blend.”

Schematically, UTSA will pull from all of it. Tempo is a virtual guarantee. A strong downhill running game is a priority. Lunney will introduce some pro-style formations and passing concepts to mix with the spread. Trying to pick the best concepts will come down to evaluating the roster, which is a work in progress. 

The Roadrunners have multiple different directions they can go. Projected starting quarterback Frank Harris is an electric dual-threat. Former LSU quarterback Lowell Narcisse showed ability as a consistent rushing threat. New Mexico State grad transfer Josh Adkins threw for more than 5,100 yards the past two seasons. The offensive staff has options. 

Whichever QB takes the field against LSU in the season opener will have a tremendous weapon in the backfield. Running back Sincere McCormick nearly cleared 1,000 yards as a true freshman despite a struggling offense around him. Three interior linemen are back, including all-conference guard Spencer Burford. However, the bookends have to get up to speed right away to give McCormick the help he needs. 

The wide receiver room is untested. There wasn’t a receiver that produced 500 yards in 2019, though, true sophomore Zakhari Franklin showed flashes. UMass grad transfer Brennon Dingle will add depth. The growth of the skill talent is critical for UTSA to successfully run the multiple it wants. 

“Blending some of our backgrounds together has been really fun,” Lunney said. “It’s been challenging at times, but we’re to the point where we feel like we have a product that’s going to be able to have a very clear identity of speed, physicality and execution – that’s what we want.”