The Texas Longhorns enter 2024 with one of the best rosters in college football from top to bottom.
However, many questions still surround the team due to multiple losses to the NFL and transfer portal this offseason, as well as a handful of recruits who should earn playing time right away.
With that in mind, who exactly will be on the field when the Horns take on Colorado State on Aug. 31?
After heading into summer and fall camp to predict what the offensive depth chart will look like in the spring and beyond, it's time for Longhorns Country to consider the defensive side of the ball.
April 20, 2024.Austin, Texas, USA: Texas White offensive lineman Cameron Williams (56) wins the glove.
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corner
jack
1. Barry Sorrell Sr. or Ethan Burke Jr.
2. Judge Finkley Jr.
3. Colton Vasek, RS-Fr.
back
1. Trey Moore Jr.
2. Father Colin Simmons
3. Father Zina Umeozulu
The Longhorns return their top two pass rushers in Valin Soler and Ethan Burke, and also added the top edges of the transfer portal in Trey Moore and five-star freshman Colin Simmons. Needless to say, Judge Finkley should make an impact, with redshirt freshman Colton Vasek seeing significant playing time. Overall, Horn has good depth here and he should have one on the top edge unit in the SEC.
October 21, 2023. Houston, Texas, USA.Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Vernon Broughton (45) and
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inside defense line
defensive tackle
1. Vernon Broughton, RS-Sr.
2. Jayray Bledsoe, RS-So.
defensive tackle
1. Alfred Collins, RS-Sr.
2. Sidia Mitchell, RS-Fr. or Father Alex January
nose tackle
1. Bill Norton Sr.
2. Tiaoari Savea Sr.
3. Aaron Bryant, RS-So.
That's probably the biggest concern for the Horns, who lost Ty'Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy to the NFL this spring and Trill Carter to the portal. Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton will be the Horns' new top defensive tackle pair. Meanwhile, the addition of Bill Norton is huge for the Longhorns, as he should be able to contribute at multiple positions, and Tiaoari Savea should help fill that nose role. Aaron Bryant and Alex January also seem to be ramping up quickly here.
Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) celebrates his sack during the game against Alabama.
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linebacker
mike linebacker
1. Anthony Hill, so.
2. Liona Lefau, yes.
WILL linebacker
1. David Gbenda Sr.
2. Derion Garrett, RS-Fr.
SAM linebacker
1. Morris Blackwell Sr.
2. Tausiri Akana, RS-Fr.
3. Father Ty Anthony Smith
The Longhorns lost depth at the linebacker position with the departures of Kendrick Blackshear and Smaje Burrell. That said, it's still a talented group led by Anthony Hill and David Gbenda. Expect Liona Lefau to make some noise, too. Derion Garrett and Akana Tausiri could crack the rotation and may need to crack the rotation based on depth. Don't be surprised if Texas adds a transfer here.
Texas Longhorns defensive back Malik Muhammad (5) celebrates defensive stop in Big 12
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cornerback
field corner
1. Gavin Holmes Sr. or Jay Vion Cole Jr.
2. Father Wardell Mack
border corner
1. Malik Muhammad, yes.
2. Father Kobe Black
3. Warren Roberson, RS-Fr.
Star
1. Jade Baron Sr.
2. Jaylon Guilbeault Jr.
The departure of Terrence Brooks was a blow, but the Texans have rebounded tremendously with the addition of transfer Javion Cole, who will compete with Gavin Holmes for the starting field corner spot. Meanwhile, Malik Muhammad looks like one of the top young corners in the SEC, and Jade Baron is arguably the defense's best player at the nickel (star) spot. Baron also moves around the secondary, giving Jaylon Guilbeault plenty of snaps as well.
November 11, 2023. Fort Worth, Texas, USA. TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver JP Richardson (7) and Texas
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
safety
perimeter security
1. Derrick Williams Jr., yes.
2. Father Xavier Filzaim
3. Father Jordan Johnson Rubel
On-site safety
1. Andrew Mukuba Sr.
2. Michael Taaffe Jr.
3. Jelani McDonald, yes.
Safety was an issue for the Horns last season, but with the addition of Andrew Mukuba via the portal and another year under Derek Williams Jr.'s belt, the Horns have a formidable duo on the back end. It should be. The combination of Michael Taffe and freshman talent Xavier Filzaim will also help a lot, and Jelani McDonald could get a push for some snaps as well.
