Longhorns Transfer DBs Adjusting To Life On Forty Acres

Jalen Catalon and Gavin Holmes could be difference-makers in Austin come Year 1.

© Ricardo B. Brazziell, Austin American-Statesman

Competition is a good thing for programs looking to enter contention status. According to Texas Longhorns defensive back Jerrin Thompson, there's plenty of the "C word" in the defensive back room. 

Thompson, who expanded his role to full-time starter midseason last fall, told reporters Thursdays that players have become more acclimated to the defensive looks, are understanding their assignments, and are "having fun." This includes new players like the 14 early enrollees. 

It also includes transfer defensive backs Jalen Catalton (Arkansas) and Gavin Holmes (Wake Forest), two players expected to fight for starting reps this fall and already being indoctrinated into the Forty Acres culture. 

"They came in and they completely bought into the culture right when they got here," veteran receiver Jordan Whittington said. "They're taking strides and they're improving really fast, and it's going to be fun. I can't hype them up too much because I go against them."

Catatlon should be a name more Longhorns faithful remember. A former top defender from Mansfield, Catalon held an offer to play for Texas under then-coach Tom Herman, but ultimately decided to play for the Hogs as a two-sport athlete. 

Catalon never made it over to the baseball side of life, but he did become an All-SEC defensive back in 2020 after totaling 99 tackles and three interceptions. Against Texas in 2021, he finished with eight tackles and one pass deflection in Arkansas' 40-21 win.

Injuries derailed Catalon going pro over the previous two offseasons. A shoulder injury in Week 1 pushed him to the injury report for the rest of the season. The year prior, he suffered another shoulder injury that sidelined him for the remaining eight games. 

For Catalon, his role will be based on health rather than a vocal presence. Defensive back Jahdae Barron described him as a "really smart player," while Texas coach Steve Sarkisian praised him following his commitment for his "natural leadership skills." 

Holmes is a lesser-known name in these neck of the woods, but he could end up being the full-time replacement for D'Shawn Jamison. Last season for the Demon Deacons, Holmes recorded 23 tackles and a team-high nine pass breakups in 11 games. 

Barron, who looks to compete for starting reps as the team's "SPUR" defender, said that Holmes has stood out in practice due to his speed. Holmes' quick thinking and ability to change direction has allowed him to attack the ball at its highest point in coverage. 

Barron said that Holmes made headlines during practice earlier in the week when he recorded the game-winning interception during a practice drill called "Red Zone Lockout."

"We needed some more depth, and we needed some speed at corner and stuff like that," Barron said. "So with Gavin coming, that's going to really help us and Catalon in the back."

Ryan Watts, a transfer from Ohio State last offseason, likely has locked down one side of the field. Holmes, along with sophomore Terrance Brooks, sophomore Austin Jordan and freshman Malik Muhammad, all could be fighting over the summer for the role of CB No. 2. 

Due to his age, Muhammad is the wild card in the group, but players have gravitated to his skills early in camp. Barron said he has an open-door policy with the 6-foot, 177-pound defender Dallas and wants to mentor the rookie like other vets did for him. 

"I used to be in Josh [Thompson's] ear. I just tell (Muhammad) to ask me and just keep asking me, and he's willing to grow," Barron said. "Plus, he's physical. He's not scared of contact; he wants to go here."

Thompson said that younger names are developing, but the older prospects are fitting in well. For Texas, it's all about getting over the hump of an 8-5 season and into Big 12 contender status before its departure for the SEC. 

Homles and Catalton will have to prove it on the field. On paper, they fit the bill. 

"It brings depth to the roster," Thompson said. "Best man out there is going to play, and it just brings the competition level up and just makes everybody work harder for a spot."

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