Jaylan Ford 'Excited' for What Longhorns Have in Store

With Ford set to return for his senior year, it could be another season with marked improvement for the defense.

From year one to year two under Steve Sarkisian, the Texas Longhorns made leaps and bounds of improvements on defense - becoming one of the better units in college football.

One of the reasons for such a noticeable improvement was the emergence of linebacker Jaylan Ford, who burst onto the scene in a big way. The junior was crucial for the Longhorns defense, recording 119 total tackles with 10 tackles for loss while snagging two interceptions and forcing three fumbles. 

Now, though, Ford is looking forward to seeing just how much bigger of a step the Longhorns defense can take in year three under Sarkisian. 

“I think there’s so much we can tap into in one year," Ford told reporters on Wednesday. "I’m excited to see what we can do this year.”

Getting Ford back was a huge boost for the Longhorns defense, not only for the upcoming season but to help teach the young linebackers that are on the depth chart behind him.

“I’m really excited to see how those guys develop, how they improve, and learn from us," Ford said. “I’m really excited to see how those guys improve.”

With Ford on the field, the Longhorns boast one of the best defenses in college football. In what will likely be his final season at Texas, Ford will play a pivotal role in not only ensuring the Longhorns defense takes a step forward - but helping teach those who will fill his shoes when he moves on. 

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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