Texas Longhorns Way-Too-Early Defensive Depth Chart Projection
The Texas defense took another major step forward in the 2023 season as they ended up being one of the best-run defenses in the country.
Looking ahead to 2024, Texas is losing a handful of key contributors but has also used both the transfer portal and recruiting ranks to bolster this unit. To not only compete in the SEC, but among the top programs in the country, Texas needs its defense to maintain its physicality and improve on the back end.
After projecting what the offensive depth chart would look like before they added Amari Niblack which shook up the tight end spot, I will now do the same for the defense.
Edge
Buck
Trey Moore or Barryn Sorrell
Justice Finkley
Jack
Ethan Burke
Colin Simmons
Football isn't the business of valuing feelings by any means, but the Longhorns spared none with their additions. Bringing in UTSA transfer Trey Moore who had 14 sacks and five-star EDGE Colin Simmons to bolster the passing attack proves just that. However, outside of Joseph Ossai a few years back, the Longhorns haven't had a dominant pass rusher so it makes sense. With these four and even J'Mondd Tapp and Justice Finkley, things could get very interesting next season.
Interior defensive line
Defensive tackle
Alfred Collins
Aaron Bryant
Nose tackle
Vernon Broughton
Sydir Mitchel
The interior defensive line is where arguably the biggest position battle will take place this offseason. Both Collins and Broughton have waited their turns, but the youngsters behind them will be trying to get a shot to prove themselves as well. Replacing T'Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II Is a difficult task, especially without defensive line coach Bo Davis.
Linebacker
Mike Linebacker
Anthony Hill
Kendrick Blackshire or Liona Lefau
Will linebacker
David Gbenda
Maurice Blackwell
Losing Jaylan Ford to the NFL Draft was expected but still hurts. In his place the Longhorns will unleash the former five-star Anthony Hill, who ended up starting down the stretch for them. Alabama transfer Kendrick Blackshire will look to carve out a significant role, and David Gbenda will certainly look to take over as a full-time starter.
Field Corner
Terrance Brooks
Gavin Holmes
Boundary Corner
Malik Muhammad
Kobe Black
STAR
Jahdae Barron
Jaylon Guilbeau OR Austin Jordan
The Texas secondary had a tough showing to end the year, but they should return one of the stronger units in not only the SEC and the country. Jahdae Barron returning was an underrated move for the Longhorns this offseason, and the corners they recruited this past class could all see some action.
Safety
Free safety
Derrick Williams Jr.
Xavier Filsaime
Strong safety
Andrew Mukuba
Michael Taaffe
The Longhorns ended up losing three players to the transfer portal, and replaced them with an NFL-caliber transfer from Clemson in Andrew Mukuba and a five-star in Xavier Filsaime. Derrick Williams should have the edge as he burst onto the scene this past year, and this unit could end up becoming a strength in 2024.
