Texas Longhorns Defensive Players to Watch vs. Baylor Bears in Week 12
The Baylor Bears will make the trip down south to Austin visit the Texas Longhorns on Friday, Nov. 25 to close out Big 12 play and the 2022 regular season.
Texas leads the all-time series 79-28-4 dating back to 1901. But Baylor got the best of Texas last season in Waco, winning 31-24 in what was a dominant performance for coach Dave Aranda's rushing attack.
Baylor running back Abram Smith had 21 carries for 145 yards and a touchdown while Trestan Ebner has 12 carries for 66 yards.
Baylor enters this season ranked No. 10 while the Longhorns are unranked the begin the year for the first time since 2016. For the Bears, they'll see if they can live up to expectations by the time this end-of-season matchup comes around. For Texas, it will be a test to potentially prove doubters wrong.
On defense, Texas allowed the third-most total yards (5,107) and rushing yards per game (201.6) while allowing the fourth-most points per game (31.1).
Texas also tied the Kansas Jayhawks for the fewest interceptions in the conference last season with just seven picks.
Despite the unpredictability of this unit, here's three Texas defenders that the Bears will need to keep tabs on:
LB DeMarvion Overshown
Overshown has been the heart and soul of Texas' defense for the past two seasons. He started his college career in the secondary, meaning his speed and ball skills as a linebacker are something the Red Raiders should look out for.
He led the Longhorns in total tackles last season (74) while adding two sacks and two passes defended. Overshown had just five total tackles in last year's meeting with the Bears, but also showed his skills as a former defensive back with two passes defended. He but could be in line to up that total this time around.
CB D'Shawn Jamison
Jamison enters 2022 as a fifth-year senior that has made a huge impact as a cornerback and returner throughout his time as a Longhorn. He'll remain a staple out on the numbers for Kwiatkowski's defense as the No. 1 cornerback for the Longhorns.
Last season, Jamison had one interception, one pass defended, and one fumble recovery to go along with 49 total tackles. He'll be looking for more in his final year on the Forty Acres.
CB Ryan Watts
A transfer from Ohio State, Watts will likely fill the role left by Josh Thompson right this season. Last season as a Buckeye, Watts tied the team lead in interceptions with two, which was impressive given his lack of playing time.
Despite the stats showing average production, the Longhorns struggled mightily in coverage last season. Watt's showing in a small sample size at an elite program proves he can ignite some improvement for Texas at either corner or safety.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Baylor Bears? Click Here
Follow Inside the Bears on Twitter
Follow Inside the Bears on Facebook
Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @LockedOnBaylor today! Click here To Listen.
