Texas Secures Versatility In Secondary With Signing of Andrew Mukuba
Matthew Golden was the headline transfer addition for the Texas Longhorns during the Early Signing Period on Wednesday and for good reason. Few receivers on campus or in the portal have the prowess and potential of Houston's offense.
But the Longhorns wanted more — not like they needed it with emerging talents such as Michael Taaffe and Derek Williams at safety. Then again, players like Clemson's Andrew Mukuba don't often leave a blue-blood program after another promising season.
A loss for the Tigers is a gain for the Longhorns and their run toward Atlanta as members of the Southeastern Conference.
Clemson Tigers safety Andrew Mukuba (1) breaks up a pass for Syracuse Orange receiver Umari Hatcher (17) during the second quarter at JMA Wireless Dome Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
“To add a guy who has that much experience and has played in big games and big moments, I think will be a really good calming effect for us,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Wednesday. “He’s a really versatile player. He’s played Star. He’s played safety. He’s covered in man. He plays physical. For us, just that experience. And the fact for him that he gets to come home.”
Mukuba, the former ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, only built off a dominant sophomore campaign. In 10 games, the 6-foot playmaker recorded 42 tackles, six pass breakups, and a forced fumble.
Natives of Austin should remember Mukuba for his highlight plays during his time at LBJ High School. When Tom Herman was still running the Forty Acres show, Mukuba was a top target though ultimately chose to head east.
The transfer portal for some is meant to build rosters. For others, it's about adding pieces to strengthen depth purposes and provide stability at certain positions.
For Sarksiain, he leans toward the latter. Building through the portal means hitting the reset button each offseason and drawing up a new blueprint for the future teams. When adding in a player or two, they're the ones who must adapt to the existing culture.
Golden and Mukuba fit needs, but also won't derail the trajectory to where the Longhorns are headed.
“When you get to visit with them and talk to them, they’re made of the right stuff. They fit in pretty seamlessly for us," Sarkisian said. "That’s the key. If we’re going to go to the portal, do they have the skill set to make us better? Can they fill a need? Would they fit our culture and the mindset that they have? Those two guys definitely do that.”
Mudbaka could shift down to fill in as the Longhorns' STAR with Jahdae Barron set to depart the Forty Acres. Sarkisian could also elect to move Williams down low so the Clemson sensation stays high as a last resort in coverage.
Will Texas add another transfer? Pickings are slim now, but the Horns remain in the running with Ohio State and Alabama for UTSA pass-rusher Trey Moore.
Moore, who totaled 45 tackles with 17.5 TFL and 14.0 sacks for the Roadrunners, would only strengthen a pass rush that led the Big 12 in sacks (32) and finished second in tackles for loss (82). Landing the AAC Defensive Player of the Year would also hurt two teams looking to make a 12-team playoff next fall.
Mudbaka might be the cherry on top of an impressive haul for the 2024 season. Consider Moore and Golden the sprinkle and chocolate drizzle if both end up at practice in Austin this spring.
