Three questions for the Texas linebackers ahead of training camp

Texas received first-team All-Big 12 caliber linebacker play during the 2022 season. One of the players responsible for that quality is now in the NFL, while another is vying to recreate his standout campaign.

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Thanks to excellent recruiting from Steve Sarkisian, Pete Kwiatkowski, and Jeff Choate, the Longhorn linebacker room is stocked with quality players who fit into the variety of roles needed within the structure of the defense. One position is for sure taken, but the other main spot is the subject of a major competition this preseason.

What questions do the players in that position group need to answer?

What’s the next step for Jaylan Ford?

A season that included 119 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, four interceptions, two passes defended, two fumble recoveries, and three forced fumbles placed Ford into the national college football consciousness. He was snubbed Big 12 defensive player of the year honors after the 2022 season, but was a first-team All-Big 12 selection, an AP third-team All-American, and enters this year as the preseason Big 12 defensive player of the year.

Ford excelled last season alongside DeMarvion Overshown, but Texas doesn’t have Overshown on the roster this year. Losing an NFL caliber player at the second level will make Ford’s life different in 2023.

Is he able to raise his level of play even further? One hundred nineteen tackles is a tough performance to recreate, but in order to do it he’ll have to raise his own level of play without the dynamic Overshown alongside him.

The loss of Overshown also places a responsibility on Ford to ensure his linebacking partner is playing high-quality football. No matter who it is, Ford will have to elevate that player’s game along with his own.

A similar stat line will be tough to recreate, especially the four crucial interceptions as part of Ford’s six takeaways.

If Ford can elevate his own play and the play of those around him, the Texas defense will benefit greatly. The onus of leadership falls upon him at his position and likely for the entire defense. How he’ll handle that role, assist other linebackers, and still deliver difference-making ability will have a drastic effect on Pete Kwiatkowski‘s side of the ball.

Who succeeds DeMarvion Overshown at Will?

This question is as straightforward as it seems. DeMarvion Overshown is a Dallas Cowboy. Who replaces him for the Longhorns?

The likeliest options are David Gbenda and Morice Blackwell. Gbenda, a fifth-year player, has 32 games of experience with three starts. He brings experience and athleticism that makes him a great fit for the Will position, but recognition and play-strength have not been at a level high enough to keep him on the field consistently in recent years.

Blackwell, a third-year defender, is moving closer to the line of scrimmage from the secondary. He’s unafraid to hit and has a knack for the ball, but his 208-pound frame could pose issues in stopping the run.

Other linebackers on the roster who could occupy Will include senior Jett Bush plus freshmen Liona Lefau and Derion Gullette.

This is one of the major defensive battles to watch during camp. The players listed above are striving to replace Agent Zero, but there is one more option available who possesses athleticism other linebackers can’t match.

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What role will Anthony Hill take on?

Hill choosing the Longhorns was the biggest recruiting win for the Texas defense in the 2023 cycle. Not only was the Denton (Texas) Ryan product a player of need at a key position, but it also knocked Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M further down during the Aggies’ 5-7 season.

Hill’s high school film shows a player with incredible ability playing downhill, but does not reveal much about his skill playing in coverage. That’s a necessity in any conference, especially the Big 12.

Is Will going to be where he factors into creating havoc plays? He’s contending with Gbenda and Blackwell, but those two have several years of experience under them.

What about a specialty role? Texas uses a Sam linebacker at times and Hill is tailor-made for that spot. In addition, his pass-rush ability is unique compared to anybody else’s on the roster, and that may see him deployed in a variety of ways early in his career.

Hill is going to play in 2023, of that there’s little doubt. How much of it is at Will and how much of it is in tailored positions is one thing Hill’s own preseason performance will determine.