Longhorns Country

Could Texas Boast Best Defensive Tackle in The SEC Next Season?

Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Alfred Collins is carrying some major expectations on his shoulders headed into next season.
Zach Dimmitt|
Texas defensive lineman Alfred Collins (95) runs down the field during the Senior Night celebration ahead the Longhorns' game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin.
Texas defensive lineman Alfred Collins (95) runs down the field during the Senior Night celebration ahead the Longhorns' game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. | Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA

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Texas Longhorns

AUSTIN -- As Byron Murphy II and T'Vondre Sweat begin their pro careers, could the next NFL star be brewing for the Texas Longhorns?

If Alfred Collins lives up to some of the preseason hype that's been building, his NFL contract will be writing itself next spring.

Pro Football Focus recently released its grades for the top returning defensive tackles in the SEC next season, and Collins was among the best of the bunch. Based on last season, Collins received the third-best grade of 79.9, behind only Florida's Joey Slackman (90.5) and Kentucky's Deone Walker (80.6).

Take a look:

Last season, with Collins as a key clog in the middle, the Texas defense allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game (80.8) in the country during the regular season. The Longhorns also allowed the 13th-fewest points per game (17.5).

He posted 22 total tackles, two sacks and two pass breakups.

Collins met with the media earlier in April before the spring game and explained his decision to stay at Texas for a fifth season.

"It’s Texas, man,” Collins said. “The best school in the nation. I stayed because I wanted to finish my degree. My mom graduated from here. She always tells me to finish what you start. I didn’t want to leave and then have to come back. Once I’m done with school, I’m done.”

Not only does Collins have a chance to finish that education, but has an opportunity to improve his draft stock, especially if he makes plays like he did during the spring game when he picked off Quinn Ewers and returned it for a touchdown.

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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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