Jerrin Thompson says Texas secondary has 'grown tremendously'

Steve Sarkisian always has been and always will be an offensive-minded head coach. But one thing he has done well alongside defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski is build up the secondary. Texas will have an experienced bunch and according to safety Jerrin Thompson, one that has grown.

Thompson discussed the progress Texas’ defensive backs have made this spring, mentioning one guy by name. Kitan Crawford got a shoutout from his teammate, saying his quality speaks to the depth available on the 40 Acres.

“We have grown tremendously with depth,” Thompson said. “With Kitan Crawford, he has come a long way. We just have so much depth in the secondary.”

Thompson was recruited into the program under Tom Herman and has been a major contributor. Where Sarkisian has really flourished with the secondary is the NCAA transfer portal. Both expected quarterback starters — Ryan Watts and Gavin Holmes — began their college careers elsewhere.

D’Shawn Jamison, who has been a multi-year starter, is now out of the program and off in the NFL. Even if Sarkisian had not taken someone like Holmes out of the portal, there would have been plenty of options already on campus. Cornerback, specifically, is where Texas shows a ton of depth.

And that’s without mentioning Jalen Catalon moved from Arkansas to Texas. Quality high school players have been brought into the program but potential difference makers have been found during the offseason.

Jerrin Thompson believes in Texas defense

At times during the 2022 season, the Texas defense was the star of the show. Quinn Ewers struggled in the air and while Bijan Robinson was a star — Kwiatkowski’s group was a key factor in Austin.

Thompson seems to believe the same will be true this upcoming fall, really believing in what the defense is doing during spring practice. He described the unit as “locked in” as some are heading into their third year under the system.

“And then the whole defense in general,” Thompson said. “Just locked in. We understand our assignments and really getting after it, having fun out there.”

Texas’ defensive back depth will get an early test, facing off against Alabama in Week 2. Some wide receivers in Tuscaloosa are making an early impact, even if there is a quarterback battle taking place. You could go down the list of quality Big 12 receivers as well. A few fun matchups are ahead for Thompson and his defensive backs.