Last week, we broke down the true X-factors in each position group on the offense. This time around, we’ll move to the defensive side of the ball. Will Muschamp’s unit figures to be one of the best in the country but there are certain players that could take it over the top.
Colin Simmons, Rasheem Biles and Jelani McDonald will steal the headlines but these are the players I think could turn Texas’ defense from great to elite:
Defensive Line: Maraad Watson
This defensive line can be one of the best in the country. Hero Kanu and Alex January will lead the way but Maraad Watson is the difference maker in my eyes. He can play both nose tackle and defensive tackle and can do great things in pass rush and run defense. He’s capable of taking a leap and making the Texas DL one of the toughest units to deal with in the country. Watson could move from a backup to start the season to an early NFL Draft pick this time next year.
EDGE: Justus Terry
You could argue this is a cop-out but I do think Terry will get plenty of snaps at EDGE this season. He’s someone that will get snaps at both defensive tackle and edge defender but I believe he’ll be a difference maker off the edge. Texas has pass rushing ability in droves with Colin Simmons, Lance Jackson and Smith Orogbo. Terry(along with Umeozulu and Vasek) can add the elite run defense the Longhorns had with Ethan Burke, making the pass rush even more dangerous.
Linebacker: Tyler Atkinson
The linebacker room continues to be a question mark heading into the season. Ty’Anthony Smith and Rasheem Biles will lead the way and figure to be a strong duo. Justin Cryer has been everything needed during spring camp. Beyond that, it’s relative question marks but Tyler Atkinson can answer many of those questions. If Atkinson can live up to the hype and give Texas consistent reps behind Biles/Smith, the LBs could move from a weakness to a strength quickly.
Cornerback: Wardell Mack
The cornerback room is, in my opinion, one of the deeper rooms on the team. Bo Mascoe, Graceson Littleton and Kobe Black represent the starting trio as of today. Kade Phillips seems to be the CB4, trying to build off a strong freshman campaign. Roberson and Wardell Mack are the other two names and I think Mack could be a difference maker. His ball skills and positional versatility are assets that will be valuable in this defense. Mack could turn in a strong redshirt sophomore campaign and make this CB room as dangerous as any in the country.
Safety: Xavier Filsaime
The safety room, along with linebackers, seems to be the question mark on the defense. Jelani McDonald leads the way as one of the top safeties in the country. Beyond him, Derek Williams Jr. and Xavier Filsaime need to step into major roles. I believe Filsaime could take a major step and become a true star in this defense. If he does, this secondary will turn over just about every QB they play and Filsaime will be all over the field making plays. On top of that, if Filsaime(and Williams) can come into their own, McDonald can be used as the chess piece he is defensively.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas’ Defensive X-Factors: Justus Terry, Wardell Mack, Tyler Atkinson
Reporting by Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
