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After extensive research, Steve Sarkisian has finally stepped up to the position of defensive coordinator as Pete Kwiatkowski of Washington is expected to accept the role in Texas. The longtime West Coast coach will bring back his excellent record to the Big 12 in a bid to stop some of the best offenses in the country.
His basic defense seems a bit odd, being one of the first to consistently embrace nickel. Kwiatkowski then made two defensive tackles, two outside linebackers / passers and two middle linebackers. Sometimes it can look like a 2-4-5 and at other times more like a 4-2-5.
With the change of regime comes the question of personnel. Do the players left by Tom Herman and Chris Ash fit into what Kwiatkowski wants to run? Some late transfers and additions to the 2021 recruiting class might help but for now they will have to adapt to what’s given.
Take a look at what the potential starting lineup for the Texas defense could look like next season.
Outside linebacker
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Entrance
Mark 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 outside linebacker / JACK position was to be one of the thinnest positions in Texas heading into spring camp. Steve Sarkisian enlisted the help of Ray Thornton, a graduate of LSU, to improve this. He should be able to compete for the starting role due to his experience in Baton Rouge. However, before him should be Marqez Bimage. The defensive end will move to a linebacker role after choosing not to compete in the 2020 season. He was expected to be a starter after registering 19 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack in three seasons . Bimage will have its chance in 2021.
Defensive tackle
Ricardo B. Brazziell-USA TODAY NETWORK
Entrance
Alfred collins
Class in 2021: Sophomore
Measurable: 6-5, 305 pounds
Hometown: Bastrop, Texas
Backup
Vernon Broughton
Class in 2021: Sophomore
Measurable: 6-4, 290 pounds
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Status
With Ta’Quon Graham out of the program, Alfred Collins is going to be the next big star in the Longhorns’ defensive line. The former five-star recruit is expected to become the full-time starter. Behind him is Vernon Broughton, a sophomore who has played the last two games. With this position being such a vital part of Kwiatkowski’s defense, Collins will play a huge role in Texas’ success this season.
Defensive tackle
Tim Warner / Getty Images
Entrance
Keondre Coburn
Class in 2021: Junior
Measurable: 6-2, 348 pounds
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Backup
T’Vondre sweatshirt
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 will change in the future. His 4.5 tackles for a loss placed him third on the team. T’Vondre Sweat, coming out of a shoulder operation, was just behind Coburn and was almost as productive. These two might have the ability to play side-to-side but would be better suited in rotation to stay cool.
Outside linebacker
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Entrance
Jacoby Jones
Class in 2021: Senior
Measurable: 6-2, 264 pounds
Hometown: Saint Louis, Missouri
Backup
Moro Ojomo
Class in 2021: Junior
Measurable: 6-3, 276 pounds
Hometown: Katy, Texas
Status
Had the 4-3 base defense remained, Jacoby Jones would have been the favorite to replace Joseph Ossai. The former junior college transfer is expected to return to Austin in 2021. He played defense last season but could move on to an outside linebacker / pass runner. Jones will face competition from Moro Ojomo, who will switch to the defensive side. Jones would be a new addition to the starting lineup and possibly a scenario where he and Ojomo split the time before one of them really breaks out.
Middle linebacker
Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Entrance
Juwan mitchell
Class in 2021: Senior
Measurable: 6-1, 230 pounds
Hometown: Newark, New Jersey
Backup
Jaylan ford
Class in 2021: Sophomore
Measurable: 6-2, 223 pounds
Hometown: Frisco, Texas
Status
The main Texas tackle at Juwan Mitchell will be back and is expected to be the anchor for the core linebackers in 2021. If he can stay on the pitch and not be sent off for targeting, he should be one of the better players. for the defense of Pete Kwiatkowski. Behind him is a player in whom Tom Herman’s team saw huge potential with Jaylan Ford. Just a sophomore, he should remain Mitchell’s understudy. He was the starter of the Alamo Bowl as Mitchell served a half suspension.
Middle linebacker
Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Entrance
DeMarvion overview
Class in 2021: Senior
Measurable: 6-4, 217 pounds
Hometown: Arp, Texas
Backup
David gbenda
Class in 2021: Sophomore
Measurable: 6-0, 228 pounds
Hometown: Katy, Texas
Status
DeMarvion Overshown is an interesting case where he could line up with Kwiatkowski in charge. He could easily switch to a linebacker on the outside, but keeping him on the inside seems like the right move. Overshown erupted towards the end of the season, flying all over the field to make plays. David Gbenda will be behind the aspiring star and fight for playing time.
Cornerback
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Entrance
D’Shawn Jamison
Class in 2021: Senior
Measurable: 5-10, 184 pounds
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Backup
Kitan Crawford
Class in 2021: Sophomore
Measurable: 5-11, 185 pounds
Hometown: Tyler, Texas
Status
D’Shawn Jamison is still the best cornerback in the roster. While he’s also one of the best returning players in the country, having him there is crucial to keeping the opposing team’s top wide receiver. It should be one of the safest bets to be a star. Kitan Crawford will come right behind him as the rising star. Many believe he will have the capacity to be the next lockdown corner for Texas.
Nickelback
Photo AP / Eric Gay
Entrance
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
This is what the depth chart looked like last season with Chris Adimora playing Nickelback / SPUR with Anthony Cook right behind him. These two playmakers are well positioned to perform equally well next season under the new schedule. Adimora will need to make sure of his tackle after missing 11 last season, the team’s second-tallest. His size and strength could move him into a safe position, but he was decent enough on cover last season to hold onto his spot at Nickelback.
Cornerback
Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports
Entrance
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 alleged starter last season and it could very well stay that way. However, Texas took the McNeese Darion Dunn state transfer for a reason. The senior is versatile and could play anywhere in high school. Both could see more of a split spin with Dunn filling in holes if needed for safety or nickelback. Either way, the cornerback is the deepest position on the Longhorns depth graph.
Free security
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Entrance
Jerrin thompson
Class in 2021: Sophomore
Measurable: 6-0, 190 pounds
Hometown: Lufkin, Texas
Backup
JD Coffey
Class in 2021: First-year student
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 whole list. When Caden Sterns retired from the season before Kansas State and declared himself for the NFL Draft, Jerrin Thomspon stepped up and was one of the best players in Texas. He will begin his second season with a high ceiling. JD Coffey is another player many are excited to come to Austin. The Longhorns’ second-highest-rated rookie in the 2021 class should immediately stand out.
Reinforced security
Tim Warner / Getty Images
Entrance
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 has had his moments over the past year, but it ultimately looks like he’s kept his problems off the pitch at bay. After being beaten by Chris Brown last season, Foster is expected to return as a starting safety. The talent is there, you just need to translate it into the field with the help of new safety coach Blake Gideon. Tyler Owens will be in the shadows again while he waits to see the pitch. His opportunity will come during the 2021 season.
Names to watch out for
Smiley N. Pool / The Dallas Morning News via AP
Ja’Tavion Sanders
Class in 2021: First-year student
Measurable: 6-4, 220 pounds
Hometown: Denton, Texas
Byron murphy
Class in 2021: First-year student
Measurable: 6-1, 290 pounds
Hometown: DeSoto, Texas
Status
No one really knows where Ja’Tavion Sanders will start his career in Texas. He has enormous ability on both sides of the ball as a wide receiver / tight end or as a passer on the defensive line. If he’s sticking to the defensive side of the ball, look for him to play one of the outside linebacker roles and chase the quarterback as often as possible.
Stay on the defensive line with Byron Murphy. He was a late flip in Baylor’s 2021 class and only earned three stars on the 247Sports composite. However, Murphy almost broke the DeSoto High School sack record during his time in college. His name will appear and will have the chance to shoot the depth map.
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