Texas Longhorns Coach Steve Sarkisian Raves About Secondary in Spring Practice

The Texas Longhorns head coach is thrilled with the progress of the secondary.

The secondary will look a bit different for the Texas Longhorns in 2024 after the unit saw a few departures whether it be via transfer portal or the NFL Draft.

While the unit had some struggles at times last season as we saw in the Sugar Bowl against Washington's Michael Penix Jr., they also had their fair share of positive moments last year. Ahead of the 2024 season, the battle to replace Ryan Watts at corner and Jerrin Thompson at safety has commenced, and based on what head coach Steve Sarkisian told the media, he is loving what he is seeing thus far from a couple of youngsters.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Malik Muhammad (5) celebrates a defensive stop during the Big 12

Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman /

When asked who was standing out at corner at safety, the first name that came to mind of the Longhorns head coach was Malik "Manny" Muhammad.

"Well I think Manny Muhammad had a very good spring ball and he's been a guy that plays very confidently right now," said Sarkisian. "He's really got a much better understanding schematically. I think he's trusting what he's being taught to do, but one thing Manny has...he has playmaking ability and when he sees things unfolding he goes for it, and that allows him to stay sticky in coverage, it allows him to get his hands on the ball. He had a great interception today in a team period, I think he's one."

When it came to a safety that has stood out, Sarkisian made sure to mention second-year safety Jelani McDonald.

"I think a guy at the safety spot...Jelani McDonald has made really some tremendous strides at safety," Sarkisian said. "He's very rangy, he's very physical, he's a good tackler and I think the instincts...thinking about him in high school, him basically playing quarterback the majority of the time that football IQ was translating over to the defensive side of the ball.

"He's seeing things unfold it's abled him to react well and we got a glimpse of that last year on special teams, and now it's carrying over to defense."

Sarkisian also named Jaylon Guilbeau as a standout at the star position, and revealed that he personally told Guilbeau that "he's back". Sarkisian explained that the jobs that come with the star spot mean he is one of the best and most well-rounded players on the team, due to all he is asked to do.

It also makes the defense that much more versatile with guys like Jahdae Barron and Clemson transfer Andrew Mukuba also being players that Sarkisian sees as being very versatile, which helps Texas disguise things on defense.

This secondary is sounding very aggressive, versatile, and most importantly; improved.