53 days until Texas Football: Can Aaron Bryant crack the DT rotation in 2023?
Inside Texas is putting a new twist on long-time photographer Will Gallagher’s time-honored countdown to Texas football kickoff. In addition to Will’s great pictures, the Inside Texas staff will go through every player on the roster by jersey number and offer a season outlook on each, from five-star to walk-on.
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We’ll also look back at other greats to wear that day’s number, with special reverence to some of Texas’ best.
Today is 53 days until kickoff. No. 53 for the Longhorns this season will be worn by Aaron Bryant, a redshirt freshman defensive lineman.
Aaron Bryant season outlook
Texas hasn’t recruited Mississippi often in recent memory, but Bo Davis (and Blake Gideon) dipped into the Magnolia State in 2022 for Bryant and defeated several local programs for his services. Bryant saw some action in his debut season but redshirted as he looked to bulk up and contend for playing time in Year 2.
Even with his current 6-foot-2, 300-pound listing, Bryant has his work cut out for him as far as earning snaps goes. T’Vondre Sweat, Byron Murphy, Alfred Collins, and Trill Carter are likely ahead of Bryant when it comes to a spot in the defensive tackle rotation. Plus, Vernon Broughton, Jaray Bledsoe, Zac Swanson, and Sydir Mitchell are trying to occupy the tier just below that top four.
The third tier last year belonged to Broughton and Collins. Broughton logged 242 defensive line snaps across 12 games, while Collins had 258 in 12 contests. In comparison, Keondre Coburn had 411 D-line snaps and Moro Ojomo logged 375.
If Bryant wants to be part of the third grouping and approach 20 plays per contest, a strong pre-season camp outworking other capable defensive linemen is a necessity.
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Bryant played in two games as a true freshman in 2022, seeing the field against Louisiana-Monroe and UTSA. He was an early enrollee and was a member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll (spring 2022).
Aaron Bryant as a recruit
Bryant was ranked as the No. 305 overall prospect, the No. 37 defensive lineman, and the No. 9 player in Mississippi according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services.
On3 ranked Bryant as the No. 293 overall player, the No. 32 defensive lineman, and the No. 8 player in Mississippi.
Notable player to wear No. 53: Greg Smith
Smith played a number of positions during his Longhorn career, including all five offensive line spots, tight end, and deep snapper. He had 51 career appearances and 15 starts at Texas, and had 17 receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown.
All-Americans to wear No. 53
Don Menasco, DE, 1950
Steve Habel co-authored this story
