2019 Texas Defensive Preview

By Will Leverett

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For the second straight year, defensive coordinator Todd Orlando has to replace multiple All-Big 12 First Team performers on defense. But unlike last season, Orlando actually has several proven all-conference tal- ents coming back too.

Despite integrating several new starters, the Long- horns ranked No. 3 in the conference in total defense, No. 2 in rushing defense and No. 4 in scoring de- fense. Orlando has set a new expectation in Austin of excellence.

The Longhorns have to replace almost the entire front six after Charles Omenihu, Breckyn Hager, Chris Nelson, Anthony Wheeler and Gary Johnson all gradu- ated. However, Jeffrey McCulloch returns to lead what should be a talented group of newcomers.

Gerald Wilbon likely steps in on the interior, and Malcolm Roach and Ta’Quon Graham have experience on the edge. DeMarvion Overshown has experience at the rover position, while Ayodele Adeoye backed up Wheeler at the middle linebacker spot. If that talent isn’t enough, Joseph Ossai, Keondre Coburn and De’Gabriel Floyd are elite talents waiting in the wings. The youngest area on Texas’ depth chart comes in the secondary. Both cornerbacks could be players from the vaunted 2018 recruiting class, who will slot beside freshman All-American Caden Sterns and veteran lead- er Brandon Jones. Jalen Green, B.J. Foster, Anthony Cook and D’shawn Jamison were all top-150 recruits in the class of 2018 who could see time at corner.

“They’re athletic, physical, they like to compete,” Herman said. “They still make some inexperienced mistakes that we’ve got to learn how to limit.” However, Sterns and Jones are so good, they can cover up many mistakes on this defense. Sterns posted 62 tackles, three tackles for loss and four huge inter- ceptions for the Longhorns as a true freshman. Jones added 70 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and a pair of in- terceptions despite missing four games with injuries. Having him back healthy is huge.

Texas’ defensive recruiting ranks with any elite program in the nation at this point. With a group of elite talents getting integrated onto the roster, the Longhorns should be able to maintain the standard even after losing another boatload of starters.

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