Texas linebacker Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey ejected for targeting vs. Kansas

Texas once again finds itself up double digits in a Big 12 matchup against Steve Sarkisian. The offense has been humming with the run game thus far and now, the Longhorns’ defense will be tasked with stopping Kansas in critical situations.

However, they will be without a key rotational guy the rest of the way. Linebacker Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey was called for roughing the passer with targeting early in the second quarter. In what was nearly a textbook showing of the rule, the officials quickly confirmed the call, ejecting Tucker-Dorsey.

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Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels was on the receiving end of the hit from Tucker-Dorsey. Luckily, he did not come away injured and is still playing in the game. He is back on the field for the first time since their loss against TCU. Nonetheless, Jayhawks head coach Lance Leipold was not happy with the hit, earning a penalty himself for sideline interference.

Looking ahead to the future, Texas will be thankful the penalty occurred in the first half. Tucker-Dorsey will not miss next week’s regular-season finale against Baylor, scheduled for 11 a.m. on Black Friday. That’s a good thing considering Tucker-Dorsey has been a major defensive contributor since transferring into the program.

Tucker-Dorsey has played in all 11 games for Texas this season, coming over from JMU. Heading into Saturday against Kansas, he has recorded 30 tackles and 3.0 tackles for a loss. Head coach Steve Sarkisian brought him in to bring greater depth to the linebacker position. The goal has been accomplished thus far.

Now, Texas will have to find a way to work without him. DeMarvion Overshown and Jaylan Ford have grown into stars at the position and will still see a majority of the snaps. However, defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski will now have to go further down his depth chart when rotation is required.