After a thorough search, Steve Sarkisian finally tried to become a defensive coordinator, as Pete Kwiatkowski from Washington must accept the position in Texas. The longtime West Coast coach will take his excellent record to the big 12 in an attempt to prevent some of the country’s best attacks.
Its basic defense seems a little strange, being one of the first to adopt nickel consistently. Kwiatkowski then executes two defensive tackles, two external linebackers / pass rushers and two intermediate linebackers. Sometimes it can look like a 2-4-5 and sometimes more like a 4-2-5.
With the change of scheme, the question of personnel arises. Do the players left behind by Tom Herman and Chris Ash fit in with what Kwiatkowski wants to command? Some late transfers and additions to the 2021 recruiting class may help, but for now, they will have to adapt to what is provided.
Take a look at what the potential starting lineup for Texas defense could look like next season.
External linebacker
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Beginner
Marqez Bimage
Class in 2021: Senior
Measurable: 6-2, 251 pounds
Hometown: Brenham, Texas
Backup
Ray Thornton
Class in 2021:Senior
Measurable:6-3, 225 pounds
Hometown: Killeen, Texas
Status
The linebacker / external jack position was expected to be one of Texas’ finest positions in spring camp. Steve Sarkisian brought in Ray Thornton, transferred from LSU, to improve this. He must be able to compete for the starting role due to his experience in Baton Rouge. However, in front of him must be Marqez Bimage. The defensive end will move to a linebacker role after the option to leave the 2020 season. He should be starting after registering 19 tackles, two tackles for defeat and one sack in three seasons. Bimage will have his opportunity in 2021.
Defensive discharge
Ricardo B. Brazziell-USA NETWORK TODAY
Beginner
Alfred Collins
Class in 2021: Second year
Measurable: 6-5, 305 pounds
Hometown: Bastrop, Texas
Backup
Vernon Broughton
Class in 2021: Second year
Measurable: 6-4, 290 pounds
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Status
With Ta’Quon Graham out of the program, Alfred Collins will be the next big star in the Longhorns’ defensive line. The former five-star recruit is expected to become a full-time starter. Behind him will be Vernon Broughton, a sophomore who played in the final two games. With this position being a vital part of Kwiatkowski’s defense, Collins will play a huge role in Texas’s success this season.
Defensive discharge
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Beginner
Keondre Coburn
Class in 2021: Junior
Measurable: 6-2, 348 pounds
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Backup
T’Vondre Sweat
Class in 2021: Junior
Measurable: 6-4, 348 pounds
Hometown: Huntsville, Texas
Status
Keondre Coburn appeared and started all 10 games last season and there is no reason to believe that this will change in the future. His 4.5 tackles for a defeat were third on the team. T’Vondre Sweat, who will come out of shoulder surgery, was right behind Coburn and was almost as productive. These two might have the ability to play side by side, but they would be more suited to spinning to stay up to date.
External linebacker
Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Beginner
Jacoby Jones
Class in 2021: Senior
Measurable: 6-2, 264 pounds
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Backup
Moro Ojomo
Class in 2021: Junior
Measurable: 6-3, 276 pounds
Hometown: Katy, Texas
Status
If the 4-3 base defense had remained, Jacoby Jones would have been the favorite to replace Joseph Ossai. The transfer of the former college junior is expected to return to Austin in 2021. He played defense last season, but could move on to linebacker / pass-rushing. Jones will face competition from Moro Ojomo, who will pass the defensive end. Jones would be a new addition to the starting lineup and possibly a scenario where he and Ojomo shared the time before one really broke.
Middle linebacker
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Beginner
Juwan Mitchell
Class in 2021: Senior
Measurable: 6-1, 230 pounds
Hometown: Newark, New Jersey
Backup
Jaylan Ford
Class in 2021: Second year
Measurable: 6-2, 223 pounds
Hometown: Frisco, Texas
Status
Texas’ top tackler at Juwan Mitchell will be returning and should be the anchor for the core of linebacking in 2021. If he can stay on the pitch and not be expelled by target, he must be one of the best players in the defense of Pete Kwiatkowski. Behind him is a player that Tom Herman’s team saw in huge potential with Jaylan Ford. Only a sophomore, he should remain Mitchell’s replacement. He was the holder of the Alamo Bowl, while Mitchell served half a suspension.
Middle linebacker
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Beginner
DeMarvion Overshown
Class in 2021: Senior
Measurable: 6-4, 217 pounds
Hometown: Arp, Texas
Backup
David Gbenda
Class in 2021: Second year
Measurable: 6-0, 228 pounds
Hometown: Katy, Texas
Status
DeMarvion Overshown is an interesting case of where he could line up with Kwiatkowski at the helm. He could easily move to an external linebacker position, but keeping him inside seems like the right move. Overshown appeared at the end of the season, flying across the field to make plays. David Gbenda will be behind the rising star and fighting for playing time.
Cornerback
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Beginner
D’Shawn Jamison
Class in 2021: Senior
Measurable: 5-10, 184 pounds
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Backup
Kitan Crawford
Class in 2021: Second year
Measurable: 5-11, 185 pounds
Hometown: Tyler, Texas
Status
D’Shawn Jamison is still the best cornerback on the team. Although he is also a top return player in the country, having him out there defending the opposing team’s best wide receiver is crucial. It must be one of the safest bets to be a star. Kitan Crawford will fit right behind him like a rising star. Many believe it will have the ability to be the next tight turn for Texas.
Nickelback
AP Photo / Eric Gay
Beginner
Chris Adimora
Class in 2021: Junior
Measurable: 6-1, 214 pounds
Hometown: Lakewood, California
Backup
Anthony Cook
Class in 2021: Senior
Measurable: 6-1, 185 pounds
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Status
That’s how the depth chart looked last season with Chris Adimora playing nickelback / SPUR with Anthony Cook right behind him. These two owners are in a great position to perform as well next season under the new scheme. Adimora will have to guarantee his tackle after failing 11 last season, the second biggest of the team. His size and strength may take him to a safe position, but he was decent enough on the cover last season to maintain his nickelback spot.
Cornerback
Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports
Beginner
Darion Dunn
Class in 2021: Senior
Measurable: 6-1, 192 pounds
Hometown: Oakdale, La.
Backup
Josh Thompson
Class in 2021: Senior
Measurable: 6-0, 198 pounds
Hometown: Nacogdoches, Texas
Status
Josh Thompson was the supposed starter last season and could very well stay that way. However, Texas hired McNeese’s transfer, Darion Dunn, for a reason. The senior is versatile and can play anywhere on the secondary. The two could see another split rotation with Dunn filling the holes, if necessary, in safety or nickel. Either way, the cornerback is the deepest position on the Longhorn depth chart.
Free security
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Beginner
Jerrin Thompson
Class in 2021: Second year
Measurable: 6-0, 190 pounds
Hometown: Lufkin, Texas
Backup
JD Coffey
Class in 2021: Freshman
Measurable: 6-0, 185 pounds
Hometown: Kennedale, Texas
Status
Free security has the opportunity to be one of the youngest and most exciting positions on the entire list. When Caden Sterns chose to leave the season before Kansas State and declared for the NFL draft, Jerrin Thomspon performed and was one of the best players in Texas. It will enter its second season with a high ceiling. JD Coffey is another player that many are eager to get to Austin. The second highest-rated recruit of the Longhorns in the 2021 class should be seen immediately.
Strong security
Tim Warner / Getty images
Beginner
BJ Foster
Class in 2021: Senior
Measurable: 6-2, 195 pounds
Hometown: Angleton, Texas
Backup
Tyler Owens
Class in 2021: Junior
Measurable: 6-2, 205 pounds
Hometown: Plano, Texas
Status
BJ Foster had his moments last year, but it finally looks like he kept his problems off the pitch away. After being defeated by Chris Brown last season, Foster is expected to return as a strong security holder. The talent is there, it just needs to be translated into the field with the help of the new security technician, Blake Gideon. Tyler Owens will once again be in the shadows waiting to see the field. Your opportunity will come sometime in the 2021 season.
Names to watch
Smiley N. Pool / The Dallas Morning News via AP
Ja’Tavion Sanders
Class in 2021: Freshman
Measurable: 6-4, 220 pounds
Hometown: Denton, Texas
Byron Murphy
Class in 2021: Freshman
Measurable: 6-1, 290 pounds
Hometown: DeSoto, Texas
Status
No one knows for sure where Ja’Tavion Sanders will start his career in Texas. He has a tremendous amount of skill on both sides of the ball as a wide receiver / tight end or as a pass rusher on the defensive line. If he remains on the defensive side of the ball, make sure he plays an external linebacker role and go after the quarterback as soon as possible.
Stay on the defensive line with Byron Murphy. He arrived late in the 2021 class at Baylor and was only rated three stars in the 247Sports compound. However, Murphy came close to breaking DeSoto High School’s layoff record during his time on the varsity. Your name will explode and you will have the chance to climb up the depth charts.