Field Turf Installed at UT

AUSTIN(KXAN) - The new field turf is down at Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.  After 13 years of playing on natural grass, Texas decided to go with the new artificial surface, the same surface recently installed at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. The turf will hold up through weather and wear and tear.  Texas wanted to avoid the slippery conditions they had in the Texas A&M game back on Thanksgiving night and at the same time, it will make the stadium available for more events like high school football playoff games.  The FieldTurf surface is a favorite with NFL players among the different artificial surfaces. 

The first game on the turf will be July 21st, when UT hosts the annual Texas High School Coaches Association All Star Football game.

The first UT game this coming season is September 5th against Louisiana-Monroe.   Even though players can only workout on their own for the next several weeks, head coach Mack Brown says those workouts can actually be a big key to the Horns upcoming success.

"It's probably the most important time for our team," said Brown.  "They bond together more without our coaches. Leadership is developed because they have to run their own ship.  Coaches and strength coaches, trainers can't even be out their during their seven on sevens so its a time where your team really comes together."

Former Longhorn Linebacker Rashad Bobino signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday.   After going undrafted, Bobino was invited to take part in their rookie mini camp as an unsigned player and impressed the coaches enough to get a contract.