Sunday: Some News & Notes in the Secondary

Continuing with a series of insider news and notes that began on Friday morning (you can find those here).

This morning, let's discuss the secondary.

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Let's start with the newcomers.

Andrew Mukuba is considered a "good athlete". He acts right, does what he's asked but is more naturally a quiet young man, so don't expect a vocal leader, at least not right now, despite the fact that he's a three-year starter. Mukuba's working at safety, looks like a starter and future NFL player, albeit not necessarily an early round pick. He's a little slighter build (he's right at 180 pounds despite being a senior) than maybe some fans will be anticipating.

Xavier Filsaime continues to receive rave reviews among the newcomers. He just has a "really good football demeanor", tries to get to the front of the line for more reps and then has the plus speed. "He's going to be good," the source said.

Wardell Mack was also singled out as looking the part but currently a rung below Filsaime. Jordon Johnson-Rubell is behind a bevy of good players at nickel. Kobe Black has yet to really show out to the level of his recruiting ranking.

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Back-up nickel Jaylon Guilbeau has been working *some* at corner during some winter workouts.

It's for a combination of reasons. First, it is to see if he can break a four-man rotation at the position and the second is to find him yet another way on to the field and give him some position versatility. The Longhorns have always liked his overall ability and especially his sense for the game but Guilbeau did not initially come back strong from his injury in 2022. So it's taken awhile for him to get back on track.

The feeling is that he's now done that, he will be a real contributor in the secondary "somehow" this season.

Manny Muhammad and Terrance Brooks are the definite starters at corner. Gavin Holmes remains in the rotation. Holmes has the athleticism and speed but, according to some, needs to work more on his toughness in the run game this spring.

Warren Roberson is also working primarily at corner and has no issues with toughness. In fact, Roberson shows flashes of excellent play, is a hard worker and always plays with an edge. But he needs to become more consistent this spring; he needs to become someone his coaches can depend on every play.

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I purposely saved this for last:

Derrick Williams has a chance to be special. A year ago, he had some small on-field issues, mostly from taking wrong angles on plays. The coaches and staff believe these small issues came from him playing almost like a linebacker position of sorts in high school.

He is working on that aspect of his game this off-season and apparently looks more than the part.

"I love this dude's future. He's very athletic, plays fast, and he's very physical," the source said.

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Michael Taaffe is Michael Taaffe.

"You look at him (physically) and you say, he probably shouldn't be playing here," the source said. "But then the game starts, practice gets going, and he does what he does, makes a few plays, and then you realize he's just a player.

"I know he's going to be in the rotation this year. The question is, will he be the starter? Mukuba and Williams are a really strong tandem. with more speed and man-coverage ability."