Numerous Texas Longhorns breakout candidates exist on both sides of the ball

This may get revised in late August depending on how camp goes, but the Texas Longhorns have a handful of candidates to break out in 2022. I’m omitting the quarterback position, but whoever the starter is will also be a prime candidate to become one of the conference’s breakout stars.

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After last year’s struggles there is justifiably a lot of concern over the defense. Despite not re-tooling that side of the ball nearly as much as the offense, there is hope from improved play beyond schematic improvement. Three players seem like obvious breakout candidates on defense, but others exist as well.

Encouragingly, each level of defense has an obvious candidate to take the next step in his career.

Here are the three for defense.

SO Byron Murphy 

Previous season: Honorable mention Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the year. Played in all 12 games with 1 start. 15 tackles (10 solo), 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks

Optimism: Murphy is competing with Keondre Coburn to start and has a real chance to win out. Even if he doesn’t become the starter in name, he’ll play starter’s snaps. His nickname could be ‘The Motor’ and when that’s the case, it sets a high floor for a defensive lineman. He’s more than a high-effort player, though. Murphy combines the low-man advantage with power and feet and agility befitting a much smaller player.

JR Jaylan Ford

Previous season: Played in all 12 games with 2 starts. 53 tackles (29 solo), 6 tackles for loss

Optimism: Ford has taken control of the Mike position and is a lock to start, barring injury. He has flashed the combination of skills required to excel at the position, including perhaps the most important with instincts for the position. An underrated aspect of Ford’s game is his athleticism in space. Sources we talk to believe he has the potential to become an early round draft pick. He is not a finished product but entering his junior year he’s poised to make a big-time jump as full-time starter. 

JR Jahdae Barron

Previous season: Played in 9 games with 2 starts. 18 tackles (12 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble, 3 pass break-ups

Optimism: Barron was widely considered the best defensive back over the course of the spring. His versatility has him primed to start at Star (nickel) but he’s a corner first and foremost and is one of two corners on the field when the team is in base. Essentially, he won’t leave the field. Barron is another player whose athleticism is underrated. Like Ford, he’s already shown physicality for his position. Anthony Cook was mostly good in coverage last year, but with Barron now at the position, coverage will improve further.

Now, here are three for offense.

SO Hayden Conner

Previous season: Played in 8 games

Optimism: There has been optimism regarding Conner’s overall ability since spring of his freshman season when he enrolled early. That optimism proved credible in Conner’s limited action in 2021 and then again in the most recent spring game. Conner’s intelligence lends itself to versatility, as does his size. He was a clear winner of the Kyle Flood hire as he fits Flood’s ‘large human’ type. Conner is a solid athlete, solid enough to get looks at offensive tackle. He’s more likely to shine this season at one of the guard spots.

TE Ja’Tavion Sanders

Previous season: Played in 12 games, mostly on special teams

Optimism: Initial excitement was created by his two-way high school career and five-star rating but he had a quiet first year. We expected that after his first few practices. However, the switch flip this past January and Sanders started making progress in leaps and bounds, culminating in an exciting spring game performance. Opportunity is knocking with the transfer of Jared Wiley to TCU. Not known for his blocking, Sanders is showing to be good enough in that regard early in his career. Much better known for his receiving, he’ll enable Steve Sarkisian’s passing attack to remain dangerous in two tight end sets with Alabama transfer Jahleel Billingsley.

WR Isaiah Neyor

Previous season: Second-team All-Mountain West Conference. 44 receptions for 878 yards and 12 touchdowns

Optimism: Well, that stat-line provides some optimism, but you never know how skills will translate when making a considerable jump in competition. Real optimism resides in the fact he’s been fantastic and more well-rounded than initially expected against quality P5 corners. Optimism further stems from Sark’s ability to spread the ball around and create favorable matchups for downfield threats. But overall, Neyor is a more complete receiver than initially thought and should threaten the whole field, not just the vertical sideline.

August is always a time for surprise players to announce themselves. Last year at this time Xavier Worthy would have made this list. Let’s see if any of the talented freshmen make their way into a revision.