As the move to the SEC looms closer every day. We see different types of guys who can be successful in that conference being brought into the Texas offense. The Texas defense is recruiting at that level but not closing on the highest rated players. Until recently, Texas has played its way into some doors that weren’t previously open. Anthony Hill Jr has officially de-commited from Texas A&M. Furthermore, Colton Vasek has officially flipped from Oklahoma to Texas.
Texas Defense Recruiting
EDGE
On the edge, Texas is bringing back Barryn Sorrell, J’Mond Tapp, Justice Finkley, Prince Dorbah, and Ethan Burke. Colton Vasek and Billy Walton are currently committed to Texas. A group that has been playing under expectations. At the edge, the Texas defense is looking long and disruptive.
Barryn Sorrell has been the only major productive player on the expected returners list for Texas at the edge. So far in 2022, Barryn Sorrell has 23 tackles, four sacks, and one forced fumble. And is a true sophomore. Prince Dorbah is a redshirt sophomore and has only accounted for seven tackles.
The three true freshmen Ethan Burke, Justice Finkley, and J’Mond Tapp haven’t contributed much as Steve Sarkisian wants to reserve their redshirts. Between the three of them they have 11 tackles and .5 a sack.
Colton Vasek has finished his senior year in high school and won a district title and will be starting the playoffs this Friday. With Oklahoma faltering with its worst defense since 2018. Texas is trying to pounce on one of the top edge players in the class of 2023. Look for Billy Walton to be a huge pick up after likely redshirting the 2023 season.
Interior Defensive Line
With the three biggest contributors moving on to the NFL. The only guys making any impact that are returning are Byron Murphy and Vernon Broughton. Byron Murphy has 18 tackles and one sack so far in 2022. Vernon Broughton has six tackles in 2022.
Sydir Mitchell, who is committed to Texas, and DJ Hicks, who is committed to Texas A&M, but listening to Texas. Are defensively the “big humans” Kyle Flood talks about filling the offensive line with what Bo Davis is trending towards. The Texas defends is looking to get huge with the SEC move coming after the one of the next two seasons.
Linebacker
With no expected big contributors returning, the “3-6-0” linebackers are going to be big as true freshmen. Anthony Hill hasn’t committed to the Longhorns but is coming to Austin for the game against TCU.
As a player, Anthony Hill the six, is a downhill linebacker with good size and straight line speed. He has starred for one of the top defenses in Texas high school football since his sophomore season. Combines his speed with a high effort level, resulting in a highly productive player at the high school level. At his best when he can use his closing speed as a blitzer or in pursuit sideline to sideline.
The zero part of 360 is Derion Gullette. He is a twitchy and fast athlete. He did tear his ACL during track of his junior year of high school. But will be at Texas in January 2023. He shows off the top end speed at receiver at and was highly productive, totaling 1,458 yards as a junior. Also shows movement skills and physicality on defense. Undeveloped technically and will need to continue improving his tackling technique in addition to pass rush.
Texas also has a commitment from the number thirty-six linebacker Liona Lafau. Without much returning, these four players are key to the Texas defense in 2023.
Secondary
All four starters could be in the NFL next year so Malik Muhammad and Derek Williams are very important to this class with some of the class of 22 secondary freshmen struggling when called upon in major moments.
Malik Muhammed is a long armed corner who excels in press man coverage with the ball skills to create turnovers. Shows off his ball skills with the ability to high point the football while playing receiver.
Derek Williams, Louisiana’s top defensive player came out firing in his fall scrimmage playing as an in the box safety with outstanding range and playmaking ability on that side of the ball. Williams has a nose for the ball and a unique feel for the game that puts him in rarified air, showcasing as much by making a touchdown-saving tackle from across the field as. He moves fluidly in coverage at 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, although he’s rarely targeted in the passing game. There’s no reason to believe that’ll change this season either.
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