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.

Lance Jackson, 6-5, 260 pounds, from Texarkana Pleasant Grove running the 40-yard dash. Gerry Hamilton was at the workout today and filmed it.

Thus far, quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end have been covered for the 2024 season and beyond. As we progress down the roster, we arrive to the biggest (literally) group on roster – the offensive line and defensive line. Focusing solely on interior guys for the defensive side of the ball.

So, let's get to it.

Offensive Line

On Roster: Banks-Conner-Majors-Campbell-Williams | Hutson, Umeozulu, Goosby, Chatman, Kirkland, Robertson, Stroh, Cojoe, Baker, Kibble, Cruz

Coming Soon: Potentially 4-5 in 2025

For 2024: The offensive line took a noticeable step forward in 2023 with the core of the lineup returning for a second year together. As we sit more than 200 days away from the opening kickoff, it is looking like the offensive line will once again be making a move in the right direction as a result of continuity in the starting group. Four of five starters from a year ago return, plus I believe big Cam Williams is a shoe-in for the right tackle spot. Now, there are interesting theories to ponder about right now at left guard and right tackle. Could there be some movement there to shore up depth? Potentially. We will see this spring what kind of push Texas gets from Cole Hutson and Neto Umeozulu, two guys with playing experience. But regardless, the offensive line is set up beautifully for a third year Quinn Ewers and a stable of running backs eager to get their first full share of touches.

Beyond: You can expect to see Jake Majors, Hayden Conner and Kelvin Banks depart following the 2024 season. Texas will be able to boast about their first 1st round offensive lineman drafted since the ice age with Banks. Luckily, attrition has yet to be an issue for the Longhorns here (*knock on wood*). Daniel Cruz and Connor Robertson will battle for the center spot. At the tackle spot, it is expected a third year Trevor Goosby will be the favorite to take over left tackle with a returning Cam Williams at right tackle. Think about that for a second, Texas' tackle duo for the 2025 season could average 6-feet-7-inches and over 335 pounds. Not too bad. I would think DJ Campbell returns for 2025 unless he lights the world on fire this fall, which leads to one of Umeozulu or Hutson to man the right guard spot. By all accounts, an experienced offensive line remains. Toss in five-star Brandon Baker into the mix as well somewhere and the pipeline is tremendous.

Defensive Line:

On Roster: Alfred Collins, Vernon Broughton, Tiaoalii Savea, Sydir Mitchell, Aaron Bryant, Jaray Bledsoe, Alex January, Melvin Hills

Coming Soon: Brandon Brown

For 2024: Well, this will be an interesting spot for the 2024 Longhorns. I, for one, am not as bearish on this group as many. Yes, Texas will likely need to add a piece to this room before the season begins – that is best case scenario. But I do feel like this group won't be a glaring weakness with the current pieces in the room. Now, how will they perform? I guess that is up to Coach Baker and his preparation for the unit as a whole. But there is experience here. Alfred Collins was a plus on the D-Line last year and Vernon Broughton's strength has been stopping the run. Add in Savea who has nearly 550 snaps of live action over the last two seasons, and there is a quality depth spot there. The biggest question to me is how often you can rely on Aaron Bryant who found his way into the rotation for the Sugar Bowl. January on campus early helps as well. If, and I want to get ahead of this, Texas finds an extra gear with Jaray Bledsoe, I will be comfortable with this unit in year one in the SEC. It won't be a plus, but it will be enough to not lose games this fall.

Beyond: This group will be needing some portal work in 2024 after the season. Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton will depart after the season and the cupboard isn't exactly stocked. A big recruiting class is needed, but it won't bridge the gap quickly. Most of us are rather excited about what Alex January can bring to the table here as well. Texas is going to need to do some real work to reconstruct the defensive line room for 2025 and beyond. Luckily, if Jaray Bledsoe can add the necessary weight, he can be a real contributor for the Longhorns in the meantime. But until then, Kenny Baker will have his work cutout for him.

Patterson has been hired by Baylor HC Dave Aranda to join the program as a senior level consultant.

Quite the conundrum for both fan bases  as both have a long history rooting for and against Patterson in the TCU-Baylor rivalry.

The 6-foot-3 linebacker at Aldine Nimitz HS saw his recruitment grow in the month of January with offers from UNLV, Washington, Colorado State and Houston. Texas also got involved in Thomas' recruitment when they officially tossed their hat in the ring last Friday on the visit from Sarkisian and Banks.

Despite having visited campus on January 20 for the Junior Day, Thomas told me it was a total surprise when the offer arrived from the Texas staff. 

Continuing the trend of lengthy, long-levered linebacker prospects, Thomas is a prime candidate to see return to campus in March for a second unofficial of the year.

Production - Colin Simmons, Tyanthony Smith, Melvin Hills, Trey Owens

Hills may be the surprise of this list. But he was ultra-productive as a high school senior, registering 14.5 sacks.

Fastest - Ryan Wingo, Xavier Filsaime

Both Wingo and Filsaime have verified 100-meter times in the 10.5s.

Most Athletic - Jordan Washington, Aaron Butler, Xavier Filsaime, Kobe Black, Ryan Wingo, Colin Simmons

Lots of high caliber athletes in this class. These are probably the best of the group.

Acceleration - Aaron Butler, Wardell Mack

Butler's ability as a punt returner is impressive. Mack has the ability to turn on the jets quickly.

Quickest Feet - Christian Clark

Makes cuts I'm not sure anyone else on the roster can make.

Physically Most Ready (for their position) - Jerrick Gibson, Xavier Filsaime, Colin Simmons, Ryan Wingo

These are most ready body types for the rigors of college football. Simmons may surprise some here, but he's wiry strong and adding good weight.

Toughest - Daniel Cruz, Xavier Filsaime, Christian Clark, Jerrick Gibson, Nate Kibble, Colin Simmons

Don't try to take Daniel Cruz's or Christian Clark's school lunch. It won't end well for you.

NFL Prototype - Brandon Baker, Ryan Wingo, Trey Owens, Xavier Filsaime

Filsaime's speed, Baker's frame and athleticism, Wingo's size/speed combo, Owens' arm talent.

Body Type (long term) - Zina Umeozulu, Ryan Wingo, Jordan Washington, Wardell Mack, Trey Owens, Alex January, Brandon Baker

Find a better long-term body type on the roster than Zina on the defensive side of the ball.

Longest Arms (for their position) - Wardell Mack, Tyanthony Smith, Jordan Washington, Ryan Wingo, Zina Umeozulu

These guys all have the "length" Texas coaches have been looking for.

Strongest Hands - Daniel Cruz, Alex January

These two lock on you and you're in trouble.

Football IQ - Jordon Johnson-Rubell, Daniel Cruz, Tyanthony Smith, Santana Wilson, Parker Livingstone, Trey Owens

Johnson-Rubell, Smith and Cruz have played and started at multiple positions over multiple years. That's not easy.

Family Tree - Alex January, Santana Wilson, Ryan Wingo, Kobe Black, Aaron Butler

January's dad played at Texas. The others had relatives who played either college or pro ball.

Multiple Positions in HS - Christian Clark, Daniel Cruz, Zina Umeozulu, Xavier Filsaime, Tyanthony Smith, Wardell Mack, Kobe Black, Santana Wilson

Played Basketball - Jordan Washington, Kobe Black, Colin Simmons, Tyanthony Smith

Washington or Black would win the 1-on-1 contest among enrollees.

Played Baseball - Alex January, Parker Livingstone

Livingstone would have had a shot at professional ball.

Ran Track - Ryan Wingo, Xavier Filsaime, Parker Livingstone, Wardell Mack, Freddie Dubose Jr., Aaron Butler, Jordon Johnson-Rubell, Melvin Hills (throws)

Wrestler/Powerlifting - Daniel Cruz, Nate Kibble

Cruz is an elite wrestler.

Hampered By Injuries As A Senior - Freddie DuBose Jr., Christian Clark, Parker Livingstone, Ryan Wingo, Aaron Butler

These guys all missed time as a senior or were still nursing significant ones all year.

Four-year High School Starter - Daniel Cruz, Nate Kibble, Jerrick Gibson, Jordon Johnson-Rubell

State Champs - Colin Simmoms, Alex January, Michael Kern, Brandon Baker

K.J. Lacey’s next visit to Texas

OnTexasFootball spoke with a source very close to the recruitment of quarterback commitment K.J. Lacey Wednesday evening. 

Lacey, 6-0 and 180 pounds, cancelled an unofficial visit to Ole Miss last Saturday. The reason? That’s one visit the Texas staff pushed back on a little bit according to the source. Lacey instead attended the Senior Bowl, and spent some time chatting with T'Vondre Sweat. 

Ole Miss and Auburn are the two teams making the most effort to flip the OnTexasFootball 4-star signal caller. Alabama is not considered a threat at this time. 

Lacey is expected to make an unofficial visit to Texas this spring, but a date is not locked in. A June official visit will also happen, of course. He’s in daily contact with QB coach A.J. Milwee, and once or twice weekly with Steve Sarkisian. 

Texas and Rickey Stewart

OnTexasFootball made a stop at Tyler (Texas) Chapel Hill High Wednesday. It’s safe to say the Longhorns are a heavy favorite to land OnTexasFootball 4-star running back Rickey Stewart. Stewart will make an unofficial visit with his mom in March. It’s not a lock his recruitment carries out until July or August. The timeline is fluid. Baylor is running second in the race. 

Texas and Demetrius Brisbon Jr.

Texas area recruiter and safeties coach Blake Gideon continues to evaluate the former SMU verbal, and current Baylor pledge. 

Brisbon, 5-11.5 and 170 pounds, could pop back up in Austin in March. Texas has told those close to the recruitment that they would like to get him back on campus in the spring. 

Kilgore High has three very talented prospects to know

Kilgore High has a trio of prospects Texas is monitoring. 

The first is ultra athletic 2025 defensive back Jayden Sanders. The 6-foot, 175-pounder with 4.46 speed attended Texas Junior day January 20. Area recruiter and safeties coach Blake Gideon watched Sanders during a Kilgore High basketball practice in January. Sanders made a visit to Oklahoma State last week, and was given the red carpet treatment by Mike Gundy and staff. The Cowboys are considered the slight favorite over Baylor. Kansas State offered Wednesday. Sanders father is former TCU standout cornerback Nick Sanders, who Gary Patterson signed out of Kilgore High in 2005. Sanders is a coach at Kilgore High. Jayden Sanders mother was an All-Conference sprinter at the University of Houston. 

The 2026 class has two prospects to know. Defensive tackle Cameron Christian is a player Texas is monitoring. The 6-foot-0.5, 275-pounder is among the best athletes at defensive tackle in the Lone Star State in the 2026 cycle. Watching Christian up close Wednesday, he is a Power 5 level athlete. His height will be the question, but he possesses plus arm length for his size, huge 11-inch hands and wears a 13 shoe. He’s still 15. 

Kilgore High 2026 LaKeyleon Graves is a 6-foot-1, 180-pound safety/LB with 4.6 speed. Graves has the frame to add considerable weight/muscle mass. 

I've gotten some right and some wrong. So don't take what I say or how I rank these players as the gospel. It's just another man's opinion based on what I've seen and what I've been told.

2024 Texas Recruits

1. WR, Ryan Wingo

2. Edge, Colin Simmons

3. S, Xavier Filsaime

4. OL, Brandon Baker

5. CB, Wardell Mack

6. OL, Daniel Cruz

7. RB, Christian Clark

8. TE, Jordan Washington

9. Edge, Zina Umeozulu

10. QB, Trey Owens

11. RB, Jerrick Gibson

12. OL, Nate Kibble

13. DL, Alex January

14. LB, Tyanthony Smith

15. CB, Kobe Black

16. WR, Parker Livingstone

17. S, Jordon Johnson-Rubell

18. DL, Melvin Hills

19. WR/ATH, Aaron Butler

20. CB, Santana Wilson

21. P, Michael Kerns

22. WR, Freddie Dubose Jr. (inj.)

Note: I'm interested to see if Dubose heals further from his injury. I would rate him differently if I knew that for sure.