Texas Football: Defensive coordinator names breakout players from camp

Under first-year head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Texas roster has undergone a complete makeover. With six defensive transfers joining new coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s defense, there are a lot of new names and faces on the field.

Kwiatkowski has a track record of building defenses over the past decade at Boise State and Washington, helping assemble teams that overachieved thanks to depth and veteran leadership at key positions.

He spoke with the media Wednesday about some of Texas’ most improved defensive players and his top potential breakout candidates for the upcoming season.

The front seven

The first name out of his mouth was DeMarvion Overshown. The 6-foot-4 senior linebacker suffered an injury this spring but is progressing well and should make a major impact for the Longhorns in his senior season.

“The guy’s super fast, super explosive,” Kwiatkowski said of Overshown. “You can tell by the way he plays he loves football, he likes contact and he’s a very dynamic, explosive guy.”

Transfer edge rushers Ray Thornton and Ovie Oghoufo have impressed Kwiatkowski this fall with their quick transition. Returning player Jacoby Jones has also made an impression.

Junior defensive tackle Keondre Coburn is a “load inside and very disruptive,” according to Kwiatkowski. Fellow lineman Vernon Broughton is a big guy the middle with “really good athleticism.”

The secondary

In the secondary, converted wide receiver Brenden Schooler has impressed with his vocal leadership and quick learning curve at the position. The former Oregon and Arizona player caught 12 passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns last season before making the switch in his fifth season. Schooler has also made an impact on special teams throughout his career, making the All-Pac-12 first team in 2017 and 2018 as a special teamer.

In addition, a couple of returning starters have impressed the new coaching staff with their consistency and commitment to the new system. Safety B.J. Foster and cornerback D’Shawn Jamison combined for 73 tackles and nine pass deflections last season.

With all the excitement building around the bigger names, there was one player Kwiatkowski labeled the most improved player. Anthony Cook, a 6-foot-1 senior defensive back, has impressed the new Texas staff and is among the top breakout candidates.

“He’s really come on to get comfortable with the defense, knowing what he’s supposed to do, playing faster and physical,” said Kwiatkowski.

Cook has just 60 career tackles over three seasons but has been active in 35 games over his career. He also has three pass deflections and one forced fumble.