Jaylan Ford shares what he has learned about Texas defense

Jaylan Ford is a veteran Longhorn, but can still be surprised. On Thursday, the senior linebacker revealed what he’s learned about Texas‘ defense in fall camp.

“Just the pressure that our interior can create. We got guys like [T’Vondre] Sweat, [Byron] Murphy, [Alfred Collins], Vernon [Broughton]. Those guys have been really showing up for us so far in camp,” Ford said. “Just the ability for them to hold doubles and clog up all the gaps in the interior and kind of make the runs bounce outside has just been something that we’ve seen a lot.”

Texas’ defensive line was sensational last season, leading the nation in quarterback pressures. Of course, the Longhorns occasionally reached their target, as well. The team boasted 27 sacks in 2022.

The D-line is expected to be even better in 2023. With returning starters such as Sweat, Murphy and Barryn Sorrell, Texas could have one of the best defensive lines in the country. And whenever defensive linemen do their job, it makes linebackers’ jobs significantly easier.

“It’s not a bad thing. It’s just something, as a linebacker, you have to play off them. So when you see things like that, you pick it and you go with it and start to learn how to play. I’m looking forward to the season,” Ford said.

Ford earns his own anticipation

Ford isn’t the only one. Fans are ecstactic to see the 6-foot-3 linebacker hit the field again. Ford had a breakout season in 2022, tallying 119 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

For his efforts, Ford was named a third-team All-American by the Associated Press and a was a first-team All-Big 12 Selection by both the Big 12 Conference head coaches and the Associated Press. Ford has already been named to Butkus Award watch list this season.

Despite the hype, Ford doesn’t allow outside noise to cloud his mind.

“To be honest, we don’t even really pay too much attention to it,” Ford said. “It’s just, when you’ve been around — most of the guys that have been around here so long we know the talent and we know the potential we have on this team.

“We just want to stop letting it be potential and actually go make it happen on the field when we go out and face our opponents. So I think our biggest thing is just to make sure everyone is giving out all effort and everybody is doing their part in making this team great.”

See if Ford can carry through on his promise on Sept. 2, when Texas takes on the Rice Owls in its season opener.