Texas Longhorn Defensive Lineman T’Vondre Sweat Named Outland Trophy Finalist
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat is cementing himself as one of the top defensive tackles in America.
On Tuesday, Sweat was named a finalist for the Outland Trophy, which goes to the nation's top interior lineman.
Sweat has established career highs with 40 tackles, 16 solo tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, and four pass breakups, already this season, playing in all 12 games with seven starts. He also blocked a critical kick against Iowa State on an extra point that was taken back for two, providing a major momentum swing in the game.
“Sweat has got such athleticism for a big man and can impact the game in a variety of ways,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said. “He can rush the passer. He can defend the run and make critical plays on a lot of these fourth-down stops and third-down stops. He gets his hands on the ball when he isn’t able to get into the backfield. He’s got a lot of tipped and batted balls.”
T’Vondre Sweat
© Ricardo B. Brazziell, Austin American-Statesman
The Texas defense currently sits at the No. 5 ranking in the nation and No. 1 in the Big 12 Conference, only allowing around 90.3 rushing yards per game. The Longhorns are also giving up just 2.9 yards per carry, which is fifth in the nation, and have given up just seven rushing touchdowns. A Sweat has been a huge part of that.
Sweat has also helped lead the Texas defense to the nation's best third-down defense (26.3 percent) and red zone defense (68.8 percent).
The Horns also rank fourth in rushing defense (85.0 ypg), 12th in scoring defense (17.2 ppg), and 27th in first down defense (210).
Sweat has also been named a finalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, the Chuck Bendarik Award, and has even appeared as a Heisman Trophy contender.
“I give all kudos to Coach (Bo) Davis," Sweat said. I know he ain’t going to like it, but without that guy teaching me stuff I know I wouldn’t be up for that. If I didn’t believe in Coach Sark, I feel like I wouldn’t be up for all that.”
