Longhorns Fall Camp Projected Defensive Two-Deep Depth Chart
The difference in defensive production for the Texas Longhorns from year one under Steve Sarkisian to night two was night and day. After struggling to stop anyone in 2021 the Longhorns fielded an elite defense in 2022 that played a key role in their winning season.
And now in 2023, they hope to take yet another step forward.
Multiple players broke out in a big way last season, with linebacker Jaylan Ford and Barryn Sorrell leading the way. Ford led the Longhorns in tackles and interceptions, with 119 tackles and four interceptions, while Sorrell's 5.5 sacks were also a team-high.
There are several candidates who can put together a season for the Longhorns this year in a similar fashion to Ford and Sorrell last season. After projecting the offensive two-deep depth chart for fall camp, we are doing the same for the defense.
EDGE
Buck
Barryn Sorrell
J’Mond Tapp
Jack
Justice Finkley OR Ethan Burke
Colton Vasek
The aforementioned Sorrell is once again primed to have a big year for the Longhorns, with lofty goals for himself in the process. Lining up across from him on the edge could be Ethan Burke, who had a very strong showing in spring practice and an even more impressive performance in the Orange-White game.
Behind Sorrell and Burke comes Justice Finkley and J'Mond Tapp, who showed flashes for the Longhorns last season. After putting together solid practices throughout the spring, and a good showing in the Orange-White game, these two could see plenty of playing time rotating in for Sorrell and Burke.
Interior defensive line
Defensive tackle
T'Vondre Sweat
Alfred Collins
Nose tackle
Byron Murphy II
Vernon Broughton
Sweat announcing his return for the 2023 season was a big boost for the Longhorns' interior defensive line and sets them up for a strong season. Alongside Sweat will be Byron Murphy, who has shown flashes of his potential so far as a Longhorn but is looking to put it all together this year.
Rotating in with Sweat and Murphy will be Vernon Broughton and Alfred Collins, two players with plenty of experience. If they can provide solid production behind Sweat and Murphy then this Texas defensive line has a strong chance to be one of the best in the country this season. Another name to keep an eye on is Trill Carter, who the Longhorns added via the transfer portal from Minnesota on Monday.
Linebacker
Mike linebacker
Jaylan Ford
Jett Bush
Will linebacker
David Gbenda
Maurice Blackwell
Ford is ready to show that 2022 was just the starting point as he looks to once again anchor the Longhorns' defense in the middle. Joining him will be David Gbenda, who has put together a solid spring and played his way into a starting role. However, the true name to watch could be Anthony Hill, as the freshman has been electric all spring and is primed for a big season.
The Longhorns will also have another pair of freshmen Liona Lefau and Derion Gullette who could find a way to contribute. Sarkisian and his staff had a strong recruiting cycle in 2023 at linebacker, and it is showing itself with the freshman trio well-represented in this two-deep. Rounding out the group is Morice Blackwell Jr., a junior ready to make his name known.
Cornerback
Field Corner
Terrance Brooks OR Gavin Holmes
Xavion Brice
Boundry Corner
Ryan Watts
Malik Muhammad
STAR
Jahdae Barron
Jaylon Guilbeau OR Austin Jordan
The cornerback trio of Ryan Watts, Jahdae Barron and Terrance Brooks come out of spring football having cemented themselves as the starters. Watts, an Ohio State transfer, was a key portal add for the Longhorns last season while Barron and Brooks round out the starting spots looking to build on their strong spring performances.
It will be a young rotation behind those three, with freshman Malik Muhammad and sophomore Jaylon Guilbeau set for big minutes. Joining them will be Wake Forest transfer Gavin Holmes, who joins Jalen Catalon as a key transfer addition for the Texas secondary.
Safety
Free safety
Kitan Crawford
B.J. Allen
Strong safety
Jalen Catalon OR Jerrin Thompson
Michael Taaffe
When the Longhorns landed Jalen Catalon in the transfer portal from Arkansas it further solidified a secondary that already had depth and talent. Catalon, despite being limited in spring action, should be an instant impact for Texas in one way or another.
Meanwhile, few players drew more rave reviews for the Longhorns than Kitan Crawford. If the reports on him are true then the safety position will have a budding elite player to mold.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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