Texas Longhorns Coach Steve Sarkisian Has Rave Reviews For Young Defensive Tackles

The Texas defensive line has some major holes to fill ahead of the 2024 season.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian leads his team onto the field ahead of the game against / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman /

The defensive front for Texas hasn't always been a strength of the team, but in 2023 the Longhorns were home to the best duo in all of college football.

T'Vondre Sweat won the Outland Trophy, which is given to the best interior lineman in all of college football, while his running mate Byron Murphy II also had a career year and is a projected first-round pick. Even despite his recent off-the-field issues, Sweat is projected to go in the first couple of rounds as well.

This means that new defensive line coach Kenny Baker has his work cut out for him finding their replacements, but based on recent comments by head coach Steve Sarkisian, the unit is coming along nicely.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian leads his team onto the field ahead of the game against / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman /

When speaking to the media recently, Sarkisian highlighted multiple young players who have really stepped it up.

"Everybody is on a different stage. The guy that has probably shown the most progress up to this point is Aaron Bryant," said Sarkisian. I'm really proud of him. We see the flashes out of Jaray Bledsoe. Now, we're fighting for that consistency. We're starting to really see the flashes out of Sydir Mitchell. I'd be remiss to leave out Alex January. He's flashed some as a young player. For young D-linemen, it's playing within the system, within the scheme and using the proper fundamentals and techniques."

Bryant recorded just one tackle in nine games in his first two years as a Longhorn, and may have a chance to really carve out a role for himself. There are also guys like Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton looking to prove they are ready to take over as the starters, as is Arizona transfer Tiaoalii Savea.

We are still a ways away from the start of the season, so don't be surprised if younger players continue to make headlines or if Texas goes out and adds more depth from the portal once it opens.