Stats and evaluations for defensive skill players in the 2025 Texas Longhorns recruiting class
Here’s an in-depth look at the Texas Longhorns’ 2025 skill position commits on defense, as each have showcased their abilities in performances that highlight their potential as future impact players for Texas.
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Jonah Williams – Defensive Back
• Stats (8 games):
• Tackles: 28
• Interceptions: 3 (1 returned for a TD)
• Forced Fumbles: 1
• Offensive Contributions: 205 rushing yards on 15 carries (7 TDs), 12 catches for 259 yards (6 TDs)
• Special Teams: Kickoff and punt return TDs
• Total Touchdowns: 16
• Evaluation: Williams is a five-star talent who dominates on all three phases of the game. Standing at 6’3” and 200 pounds, he has ideal size for a safety and is projected to be a defensive superstar for Texas. His high football IQ and ball skills allow him to read plays and make crucial interceptions, often with the mentality to score on the return. His tackling technique and ability to play the ball in the air make him a well-rounded safety prospect. With his versatility on offense, defense, and special teams, Williams is poised to make an immediate impact at Texas once he recovers from an upper-body injury that ended his senior season.
Caleb Chester – Defensive Back
• Stats (6 games):
• Tackles: 16
• Tackles for Loss (TFL): 1
• Interceptions: 1
• Pass Breakups (PBUs): 5
• Evaluation: Chester is a long, athletic DB with impressive speed, standing at 6’2” and weighing 175 pounds. His agility and cat-like reflexes make him a tough corner to test in coverage, which is why opposing teams often avoid targeting his side. When the ball does come his way, Chester demonstrates excellent tracking ability and quickness to break up passes. Not only a strong cover corner, but he also showcases his physicality by coming up to make perimeter tackles.
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Elijah Barnes – Linebacker
• Stats (9 games):
• Tackles: 102
• Tackles for Loss (TFL): 17
• Sacks: 6
• Interceptions: 1
• Forced Fumbles: 1
• Offensive Contributions: 6 rushes for 78 yards
• Evaluation: At 6’2” and 238 pounds, Barnes is a powerful linebacker who has been a dominant force for Skyline this season. He’s shown the ability to play all three downs, with the agility to cover receivers in space and the power to deliver hard hits. His emphasis on improving in pass coverage has paid off, positioning him as a well-rounded defender with the versatility to impact both the pass and run game. Barnes is a relentless tackler, always around the ball, and has the physical presence and athleticism to be a future standout linebacker for Texas. Maybe the next Anthony Hill?
Jonathan Cunningham – Linebacker
• Stats (9 games):
• Tackles: 67
• Tackles for Loss (TFL): 12
• Sacks: 5
• Forced Fumbles: 1
• Pass Breakups (PBUs): 4
• Evaluation: Cunningham is a versatile defender who brings a unique skill set to North Crowley’s defense, lining up at safety, edge, and linebacker. His ability to play in space, cover receivers, and contribute in pass rush shows his athleticism and range. Despite his slightly lean frame, he is unafraid to engage in the run game, shedding blockers and making key tackles. Cunningham’s versatility and willingness to take on multiple roles make him an asset for Texas, where he could develop into a hybrid defender with both coverage and pass-rush abilities.
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Each of these defensive commits brings unique skills to the Texas Longhorns, whether it’s Williams’ ability to impact every aspect of the game, Chester’s coverage, Barnes’ power and versatility, or Cunningham’s hybrid skill set.
