Texas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown a 'huge threat,' teammates say

Texas Longhorns teammates haven’t been shy about praising senior linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. Defensive lineman Keondre Coburn and running back Bijan Robinson both had positive things to say at Thursday’s media availability.

“He’s the hardest for me to get past,” Robinson said. “We all know how great of a linebacker he is. Just how long he is and how fast he is laterally makes him a huge threat to any running back or pass coverage because he can take up so much of the field. DeMarvion is definitely a player I have to watch on that defense.”

Overshown is expected to be one of the defensive leaders after starting all 10 games this past season. He finished with 60 tackles, including eight for loss, a team-high seven pass breakups and two forced fumbles. His play earned him honorable mention All-Big 12.

Texas is hopeful he will develop into an anchor for the defense, and Coburn believes it’s happening.

“DeMarvion has grown a lot,” he said. “He’s out there calling calls and making plays for us. He does it all.”

The Longhorns finished seventh in the Big 12 a year ago, giving up 407.2 yards per game. They brought in Steve Sarkisian to replace coach Tom Herman, who compiled a 50-32 record in four seasons. Sarkisian, who spent the past two seasons as offensive coordinator at Alabama, has also been a head coach at USC and Washington.

He hired Pete Kwiatkowski, who spent the past seven seasons at Washington, as defensive coordinator. Kwiatkowski helped lead the Huskies to the College Football Playoff in 2016 and produced 17 NFL draft picks in his tenure. Could Overshown be one of his first at Texas?

The Arp, Texas, native was rated as the No. 52 overall prospect in the class of 2018, according to 247Sports. He clearly has talent and has gotten better in each of his three seasons with the Longhorns. He converted to linebacker from defensive back and has looked more comfortable as time has passed.

If things go the right way, this season could be the best year yet for DeMarvion Overshown at Texas. His teammates are certainly behind him.