Assessing UT's senior departures and potential replacements

The seniors went out with a bang as the Texas Longhorns defeated the Baylor Bears at home by the tune of 38-27.

Below is a list of all the players who walked for Senior Day festivities. Just because a player is listed doesn’t mean he’s for sure departing but that is typically the case.

Perhaps the biggest note today is who isn’t on the list: defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat. If Sweat returns, which is in line with what Inside Texas has heard in recent days, he’ll be part of a stellar defensive nucleus that should also include Jaylan Ford, Jahdae Barron, Jerrin Thompson, Ryan Watts, Byron Murphy, Alfred Collins, and Barryn Sorrell.

Rather than put the cart ahead of the horse, let’s discuss the Horns who went out with their heads held high. What better place to start than with Roschon Johnson?

RB Roschon Johnson: What a way to go out for the heart and soul of the program. While Texas should be able to replace a fair amount of his on-field production, he will leave giant shoes to fill as a leader. With Bijan Robinson also (likely) departing, it’ll be a new era in the Texas backfield. Jonathon Brooks, Jaydon Blue, and freshman Cedric Baxter will put their best foot forward as volume carriers next season.

OL Junior Angilau: We’re not 100% certain he’s leaving but assuming he does Texas may want to look to the portal for a veteran O-lineman. Angilau would be perfect in that role if he returns. He was set to compete at center before he was injured in August. Only Freshman All-American Kelvin Banks is guaranteed to start in the same spot next year. Competition across the line is going to be one of the stories of spring ball.

OL Christian Jones: Take a bow, Christian Jones. He was the most improved player in the program as his skill caught up to his size and athletic ability. Take a bow Kyle Flood, too. Expect Cameron Williams and perhaps Hayden Conner or Neto Umeozulu to compete to replace the future NFL draft pick at right tackle.

TE Brayden Liebrock: Liebrock arrived in Austin with a lot of promise as a receiving threat but he just couldn’t stay healthy. With Jahleel Billingsley also departing, Texas may look to the portal for a receiver-first tight end. Only Juan Davis currently fits that profile on the roster.

WR Jordan Whittington: The wide receiver version of Roschon. He battled early chronic injuries and then one of the ‘bad luck’ variety before having a healthy final season. A case could be made he was underutilized this year, but he still balled when his number was called. I’ll remember his effort blocking as much as anything. Texas will throw numbers at receiver but Savion Red is the most likely to replace Whittington’s style of play.

WR Tarique Milton: Milton was one of the last guys in the program for this year. He didn’t play a lot but he wasn’t out of place. Speedster Brenen Thompson will get Milton’s reps in practice.

DL Keondre Coburn: What a senior year for Coburn. He made himself a lot of money this year with his improved quickness and ability to get in the back field. He’ll be a big loss, but as stated T’Vondre Sweat did not walk. Assuming he’s returning, that will go a long way towards trying to replace Coburn. Aside from his play, Coburn is going to be missed in the locker room. As heavy as he is, he kept things light.

DL Moro Ojomo: About as steady as they come. Like Coburn, he’ll be tough to replace but Texas should still have quality numbers at interior defensive line. A smart NFL team will get the next Ta’Quon Graham out of Texas. Alfred Collins had a good second half of the year. He’ll be the man tasked with replacing Ojomo’s snaps. Kristopher Ross will also get some looks as Ojomo didn’t just play 3-tech. Ross can be a swing d-lineman next season.

Edge Ovie Oghoufo: Since most associate Edge players with sacks Ovie’s improvement from last year sailed under the radar but he was night and day different playing the run this season. Texas has a number of younger Edge options on the roster but the coaches may elect to look towards the portal to replace Ovie’s experience.

Edge Devin Richardson: After being moved from linebacker earlier in the season Richardson played a number of good snaps for Texas at Buck this year. His departure is another reason Texas may look to find an experienced player in the portal. Texas needs a floor-setter at a minimum with the current freshman more inexperienced upside players.

LB DeMarvion Overshown: Overshown played the best game of his career today. He may not be the most instinctive for ILB but he played 100 mph at all times. The staff had a good idea how to use him this season culminating with his terrific finish. Texas has a big hole to fill with his departure. There will be immediate playing time available for true freshman but keep your eyes on David Gbenda. Gbenda’s an athlete and Jeff Choate has shown he can develop players. It’s also noteworthy Jett Bush didn’t walk for senior day, though he’s more of a Mike.

LB Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey: “Tuck” probably played his best game today as well. At times he was overmatched athletically or physically, but for the most part he did what he was brought in to do: sure up linebacker. Texas not only has to replace LB2 but also LB3. Morice Blackwell started to see his usage rise. He needs to get bigger and stronger but he’s athletic and will throw his body around.

LB Luke Brockermeyer: Brockermeyer’s senior year was effectively ruined when he was hurt very late last season. He achieved some goals on campus, namely earning a scholarship.

S Anthony Cook: All eyes were on Cook after Texas didn’t pluck a safety out of the portal and he delivered. He had one of the plays of the season with his game saving forced fumble against Iowa State. Steady, reliable, smart, and tough. Texas will have a heated competition to see who plays next to breakout junior Jerrin Thompson.

CB D’Shawn Jamison: Jamison had his most consistent season and was downright good the first half of the year. Texas has options to throw at field corner next year, but none have Jamison’s raw corner athleticism. Terrance Brooks is the odds on favorite to replace Jamison but he’ll face competition from Austin Jordan, Jamier Johnson, and maybe Malik Muhammad. 

P Daniel Trejo: He wasn’t always consistent but he hit a timely bomb or tucked a coffin corer or two. The last man in the program for this season definitely created some memories. 

Walkons who partook in Senior Day: Gave Sulser, Parker Alford, Michaeal Balis, Ben Ballard, Zach Edwards, Chris Hatter, and Will Pliska