Longhorns Country

Texas D-Line Commit Kristopher Ross Awarded Touchdown Club of Houston's Defensive Player of the Year

The Longhorns' defensive front is getting a player that could make an immediate impact next season
Zach Dimmitt|
Texas D-Line Commit Kristopher Ross Awarded Touchdown Club of Houston's Defensive Player of the Year
Texas D-Line Commit Kristopher Ross Awarded Touchdown Club of Houston's Defensive Player of the Year

It may not have seemed possible five months ago, but the Texas Longhorns have entered into a rebuilding mode of sorts after a 5-7 season under first-year head coach Steve Sarkisian. 

Sarkisian has made it known that roster overturn was expected this offseason. With a handful of Longhorns already transferring since the season finale against Kansas State, the focus has now turned to what the recruiting class of 2022 can bring in Sark's second year. 

Right in the mix is defensive tackle Kristopher Ross of North Shore High School (Houston, TX), who was named the Touchdown Club of Houston Defensive Player of the Year on Wednesday, per an announcement from the organization. 

Ross, a 6-foot-3, 280-pound beast, has helped lead North Shore to a 13-1 record this season. His team will play in the Division 1 6A state semifinals this Saturday against Lake Travis, as a shot at an appearance in the state title game is on the line.

Ross is the 16th-best defensive tackle in the country, according to ESPN's rankings. That puts him only nine spots below fellow defensive tackle and Longhorn commit Jaray Bledsoe of Bremond High School (Bremond, TX), who comes in at seventh on the list.  

The versatility has been on display for Ross, who showed impressive ball skills for a big man in a key playoff win for North Shore this past Friday. 

Next season, Ross could be the driving force defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski needs for this Texas defense.

Until then, the defensive playmaker will have his hands full sacking opposing QB's in the state playoffs. 

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Zach Dimmitt
ZACH DIMMITT

Zach Dimmitt is the Deputy Editor for Texas Longhorns On SI and Texas A&M Aggies On SI. He also contributes as a writer for the On SI channels of the Oregon Ducks, Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans. He was previously the editor-in-chief of Buffalo Bills on SI, Philadelphia Eagles on SI and Seattle Seahawks on SI. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Dimmitt received his Bachelor’s Degree in journalism at the University of Texas at Austin in 2022. He originally started with SI’s Fan Nation network in 2021, providing extensive coverage of the NFL and NBA along with college football and basketball. In that time, Dimmitt has published thousands of stories and has reached millions of people across multiple fan bases. You can follow him on X at @ZachDimmitt7

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