In The Pipeline | EDGE & LB

[CJ Vogel]

Time to move to the remainder of the front seven on the defensive side of the ball. Earlier today I spoke about the future of the trenches for the Texas program – and yes, I did remember Sydir Mitchell was on roster for those wondering. 

For this piece, a look at the edge rushers and linebackers. Two positions that have seen an increase in production, and project to be amongst the strength of the Texas defense for the upcoming years. Should be a fun rabbit hole to dive into.

Defensive Ends

On Roster: Trey Moore, Ethan Burke, Barryn Sorrell, Trey Moore, J'Mond Tapp, Justice Finkley, Colton Vasek, Tausili Akana, Billy Walton, Colin Simmons, Zina Umeozulu

Coming Soon: Lance Jackson

For 2024: On paper, this unit should see an increase in production from a year ago. UTSA transfer joins the room as does five-star EDGE Colin Simmons. Both guys figure to crack the rotation at early on this season. Where Texas can really see an increase in on-field success is with the returning vets, Barryn Sorrell and Ethan Burke. There is plenty of experience and big moments from the both of them, but finding consistency will be key. Texas will toss in Finkley and Tapp for extra depth to this room as well. What kind of steps will we see taken from Vasek, Akana, Walton and Umeozulu? Remains to be seen.

Beyond: Building off that final sentence above, the future here is very bright, especially when you add in 2025 commit Lance Jackson out of Pleasant Grove, TX. Colin Simmons is the star of this group moving forward. He is the highest rated prospect on the defensive end spot in 15 years. But who else joins him in the production category? Right now, I look at Colton Vasek as someone that can eventually take that leap, he is bendier than Burke with a 6-foot-5 frame of his own, but when will we see him fully healthy? How soon can Akana and Waltotn get up to speed physically? I think we are all awaiting the light to flick on for J'Mond Tapp and Justice Finkley, but by 2025 will it be too late? It is a great issue to have, as the iron makes stronger iron as we all know. Depth won't be an issue here, but finding the one or two additional gamechangers is the key.

 

Linebackers

On Roster: Anthony Hill Jr., David Gbenda, Kendrick Blackshire, Morice Blackshire, Derion Gullette, S'Maje Burrell, Liona Lefau, Tyanthony Smith

Coming Soon: Anthony Williams

For 2024: I wouldn't say the linebacker group is a concern for me, but it is a spot where I will have questions that will need answering in the spring session. Of course, Anthony Hill Jr. is a special player. That won't come as a surprise to anyone who watched a possession of Texas football last fall. But where does Texas go after that at LB? David Gbenda is the experienced piece in the room, but as we saw in 2023, is he ready for a full slate of snaps? I question how often you can keep Gbenda and Blackshire on the field in obvious passing downs which leads me to someone like Liona Lefau potentially coming in to the rotation full time. The staff likes Mo Blackwell a lot, but his role seems to be refined solely to those aforementioned passing downs. Feels like Texas may be at a crossroads of personnel tipping tendency here at LB, unless someone can take that next step – potentially Lefau?

Beyond: I have mentioned Lefau's name plenty here. But I do see him being a multi-year starter for the Longhorns in the middle of the defense. My biggest question coming out of HS was Lefau's size – he is firmly in the 6-foot-1 range and carries 230 pounds relatively well at the moment. He can play. One guy that is worth mentioning now and should have been mentioned above is Derion Gullette. This spring will be really key for Gullette to prove he can play at this speed and level now that he is fully healthy. I like both Burrell and Smith at the back end of this list and believe one of the two will be a starter to pair next to Gullette or Lefau way down the road in 2026. Also, Texas is in pursuit of a loaded 2025 linebacking class, will be interesting to see who joins this room after the 2024 season.

 

View full news

[goathumper]

I am really curious what Texas priorities are at LB.... CJ who are your 5 favorite LB targets Texas is after? They seem to have a lot of coals in the fire. 

 

EDGE board seems to be clear with Jackson, Morgan and Woodfork. 

 

Finkley physically has been tapped out since he got to campus with his short arms. Sadly showed vs UW. Similarly, I dont think Akana will ever come close to getting there. Was an odd take imo 

Between Vasek, Walton and Tapp, I think 2/3 there come good. All 3 need to this offseason seriously have a lot of meat left on the bone physically. Tapp flashed at times when he played this year. 

I would love for Gullette to be able to get his mind and body right. He has as much physical upside as any recruit Sarkisian has signed while at Texas. I include Simmons, Hill, Wingo etc in that conversation

[CJ Vogel]

17 minutes ago, goathumper said:

I am really curious what Texas priorities are at LB.... CJ who are your 5 favorite LB targets Texas is after? They seem to have a lot of coals in the fire. 

 

EDGE board seems to be clear with Jackson, Morgan and Woodfork. 

 

Finkley physically has been tapped out since he got to campus with his short arms. Sadly showed vs UW. Similarly, I dont think Akana will ever come close to getting there. Was an odd take imo 

Between Vasek, Walton and Tapp, I think 2/3 there come good. All 3 need to this offseason seriously have a lot of meat left on the bone physically. Tapp flashed at times when he played this year. 

I would love for Gullette to be able to get his mind and body right. He has as much physical upside as any recruit Sarkisian has signed while at Texas. I include Simmons, Hill, Wingo etc in that conversation

Will get Jerry’s thoughts here as well, but the five I have my eyes closest in 2025 are Bo Barnes, Pettijohn, Cunningham, Javar Thomas and Nasir Wyatt out of Mater Dei. It’ll be interesting to see how the cards play out. But a very strong ‘25 crop. 
 

Don’t forget Kamauryn Morgan at SOC for EDGE too

[codaxx]

I think LB is probably the 2nd biggest worry for me. It has limited proven depth. Their is talent there, but it needs to take a big step. I also believe ILB is on of the hardest positions to evaluate and project in football. Most of these kids dont play traditional off-ball roles in HS. They are just too good of athletes in HS to play that role. They are playing some offense, blitzing heavily, or coming off the edge. Maalik Jefferson is the perfect example of that. Still drafted off his athletic potential, but never quite developed into a well rounded off-call LB. 

[codaxx]

12 minutes ago, codaxx said:

I think LB is probably the 2nd biggest worry for me. It has limited proven depth. Their is talent there, but it needs to take a big step. I also believe ILB is on of the hardest positions to evaluate and project in football. Most of these kids dont play traditional off-ball roles in HS. They are just too good of athletes in HS to play that role. They are playing some offense, blitzing heavily, or coming off the edge. Maalik Jefferson is the perfect example of that. Still drafted off his athletic potential, but never quite developed into a well rounded off-call LB. 

I saw 10 year data on the top 100 recruits and the percentage of that made the NFL by the Athletic.. ILB had the 2nd lowest percentage of NFL players at 33%, only behind WR which is far and away the most over-valued position by recruiting services.. 

Edited February 9 by codaxx

[CJ Vogel]

30 minutes ago, codaxx said:

I saw 10 year data on the top 100 recruits and the percentage of that made the NFL by the Athletic.. ILB had the 2nd lowest percentage of NFL players at 33%, only behind WR which is far and away the most over-valued position by recruiting services.. 

It's viewed as the RB of the defense. Injuries and wear and tear are significantly higher at LB than other positions, so that makes a lot of sense.

[codaxx]

6 minutes ago, CJ Vogel said:

It's viewed as the RB of the defense. Injuries and wear and tear are significantly higher at LB than other positions, so that makes a lot of sense.

I am not sure LB injury rate is significantly higher than other positions. RB has significantly higher success rate (41%), 2nd highest on the offense (TE is 1). Off-ball LB is more similar to QBs, than RBs.  They have to make a ton of reads and offenses are always putting them in conflict. The more mental requirements a position has, the harder it is to project (you can add physical development to that also). That aligns very well with the bottom of the list, outside of WR which is wildly over-rated by services (you can probably blame the rise of 7 on 7 and camps for that). 

1. DE - 60% 

2. Athlete- 54%

3. TE- 54%

4. OT - 53%

5. CB - 46%

6. RB- 41%

7. QB - 40%

8. IOL- 40%

9. Safety- 39%

10- DT- 39%

11- LB - 33

12- WR - 30%

[Hank Kingsley]

It feels like DE production is the missing link for Texas to truly take the next step defensively. So much potential there. 

[CJ Vogel]

4 minutes ago, Hank Kingsley said:

It feels like DE production is the missing link for Texas to truly take the next step defensively. So much potential there. 

Good chance they find a diffference maker with this group as well.

[K. Baughman]

My thought is if they can get a really good DL in this spring portal session to compliment what we have it would take pressure off the ends to get pressure. Especially if Burke and Sorrell make another leap from last year along with the addition of Moore. Maybe/ maybe not contribution from Simmons this year. To be determined.

[codaxx]

15 minutes ago, K. Baughman said:

My thought is if they can get a really good DL in this spring portal session to compliment what we have it would take pressure off the ends to get pressure. Especially if Burke and Sorrell make another leap from last year along with the addition of Moore. Maybe/ maybe not contribution from Simmons this year. To be determined.

The Edges will just have to step up. Last year Texas had 2 of the best DTs in the nation and a top 5 Duo in Texas history. It was really easy for Edges last year, so it will be hard to take pressure off. I think people are underestimating the impact Murphy and Sweat had on the rest of the defense. Their impact was huge on the Edges, LBs, and Safeties. 

Edited February 9 by codaxx

[Hornmatic]

On 2/8/2024 at 1:51 PM, CJ Vogel said:

Time to move to the remainder of the front seven on the defensive side of the ball. Earlier today I spoke about the future of the trenches for the Texas program – and yes, I did remember Sydir Mitchell was on roster for those wondering. 

For this piece, a look at the edge rushers and linebackers. Two positions that have seen an increase in production, and project to be amongst the strength of the Texas defense for the upcoming years. Should be a fun rabbit hole to dive into.

Defensive Ends

On Roster: Trey Moore, Ethan Burke, Barryn Sorrell, Trey Moore, J'Mond Tapp, Justice Finkley, Colton Vasek, Tausili Akana, Billy Walton, Colin Simmons, Zina Umeozulu

Coming Soon: Lance Jackson

For 2024: On paper, this unit should see an increase in production from a year ago. UTSA transfer joins the room as does five-star EDGE Colin Simmons. Both guys figure to crack the rotation at early on this season. Where Texas can really see an increase in on-field success is with the returning vets, Barryn Sorrell and Ethan Burke. There is plenty of experience and big moments from the both of them, but finding consistency will be key. Texas will toss in Finkley and Tapp for extra depth to this room as well. What kind of steps will we see taken from Vasek, Akana, Walton and Umeozulu? Remains to be seen.

Beyond: Building off that final sentence above, the future here is very bright, especially when you add in 2025 commit Lance Jackson out of Pleasant Grove, TX. Colin Simmons is the star of this group moving forward. He is the highest rated prospect on the defensive end spot in 15 years. But who else joins him in the production category? Right now, I look at Colton Vasek as someone that can eventually take that leap, he is bendier than Burke with a 6-foot-5 frame of his own, but when will we see him fully healthy? How soon can Akana and Waltotn get up to speed physically? I think we are all awaiting the light to flick on for J'Mond Tapp and Justice Finkley, but by 2025 will it be too late? It is a great issue to have, as the iron makes stronger iron as we all know. Depth won't be an issue here, but finding the one or two additional gamechangers is the key.

 

Linebackers

On Roster: Anthony Hill Jr., David Gbenda, Kendrick Blackshire, Morice Blackshire, Derion Gullette, S'Maje Burrell, Liona Lefau, Tyanthony Smith

Coming Soon: Anthony Williams

For 2024: I wouldn't say the linebacker group is a concern for me, but it is a spot where I will have questions that will need answering in the spring session. Of course, Anthony Hill Jr. is a special player. That won't come as a surprise to anyone who watched a possession of Texas football last fall. But where does Texas go after that at LB? David Gbenda is the experienced piece in the room, but as we saw in 2023, is he ready for a full slate of snaps? I question how often you can keep Gbenda and Blackshire on the field in obvious passing downs which leads me to someone like Liona Lefau potentially coming in to the rotation full time. The staff likes Mo Blackwell a lot, but his role seems to be refined solely to those aforementioned passing downs. Feels like Texas may be at a crossroads of personnel tipping tendency here at LB, unless someone can take that next step – potentially Lefau?

Beyond: I have mentioned Lefau's name plenty here. But I do see him being a multi-year starter for the Longhorns in the middle of the defense. My biggest question coming out of HS was Lefau's size – he is firmly in the 6-foot-1 range and carries 230 pounds relatively well at the moment. He can play. One guy that is worth mentioning now and should have been mentioned above is Derion Gullette. This spring will be really key for Gullette to prove he can play at this speed and level now that he is fully healthy. I like both Burrell and Smith at the back end of this list and believe one of the two will be a starter to pair next to Gullette or Lefau way down the road in 2026. Also, Texas is in pursuit of a loaded 2025 linebacking class, will be interesting to see who joins this room after the 2024 season.

 

 

View full news

 

Thanks for doing this whole series. One LB question I’ve had is around the utilization of a Strongside LB. We obviously play with two LBs and that means the Sam comes off the field. 
 

A few Xs and Os questions come to mind. When and where do we utilize the Sam? When the SLB is on the field what is our alignment and other personnel grouping? 
 

What is the value of a SLB in PKs defense. And if we had a great Sam how would he be utilized (think, what if jett bush or mo blackwell were all conference level performers). Would we try to fit them into a mlb/wlb role in lieu of playing three linebackers more often? 

Maybe something for a future Football Theory episode, but any thoughts would be appreciated. 

[codaxx]

1 hour ago, Hornmatic said:

Thanks for doing this whole series. One LB question I’ve had is around the utilization of a Strongside LB. We obviously play with two LBs and that means the Sam comes off the field. 
 

A few Xs and Os questions come to mind. When and where do we utilize the Sam? When the SLB is on the field what is our alignment and other personnel grouping? 
 

What is the value of a SLB in PKs defense. And if we had a great Sam how would he be utilized (think, what if jett bush or mo blackwell were all conference level performers). Would we try to fit them into a mlb/wlb role in lieu of playing three linebackers more often? 

Maybe something for a future Football Theory episode, but any thoughts would be appreciated. 

Most teams are Nickel base . It’s rare to see 3 traditional off ball LBs these days. Texas will run some vs run heavy teams. That’s more of a package now 

[K. Baughman]

9 hours ago, codaxx said:

The Edges will just have to step up. Last year Texas had 2 of the best DTs in the nation and a top 5 Duo in Texas history. It was really easy for Edges last year, so it will be hard to take pressure off. I think people are underestimating the impact Murphy and Sweat had on the rest of the defense. Their impact was huge on the Edges, LBs, and Safeties. 

I agree they were two of the best, but as far as QB sacks from the them were not all that high. If you had one or two DL guys that were true threat to sack the QB,  that’s where it would get the ends maybe a bit more of a free rush at QB.

[codaxx]

17 minutes ago, K. Baughman said:

I agree they were two of the best, but as far as QB sacks from the them were not all that high. If you had one or two DL guys that were true threat to sack the QB,  that’s where it would get the ends maybe a bit more of a free rush at QB.

They are DTs. There are not a lot of DTs that get a bunch of sacks. Vita Vea is one of the best DTs in the NFL. His season high for sacks at Washington was 5. Chris Jones never had more than 3 sacks at Mississippi State. Murphy’s 5 sacks from the nose is really good. Texas got 11 sacks from interior rushers last year and 11 from the edges. That is with the interior guys getting more double teams 

Edited February 10 by codaxx

[K. Baughman]

29 minutes ago, codaxx said:

They are DTs. There are not a lot of DTs that get a bunch of sacks. Vita Vea is one of the best DTs in the NFL. His season high for sacks at Washington was 5. Chris Jones never had more than 3 sacks at Mississippi State. Murphy’s 5 sacks from the nose is really good. Texas got 11 sacks from interior rushers last year and 11 from the edges. That is with the interior guys getting more double teams 

I understand, there will not be those double teams this year with what we currently have I don’t think. Allowing a bit more extra protection for QB. Moore hopefully makes the bigger difference.