Skip to main content
    Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian looks on against the

    Spring Game Preview: Four Texas Longhorns Defensive Players to Watch

    The Texas Longhorns are set to take the field on Saturday for their spring game.

    We are just a few days away from the Texas Longhorns taking the field for their spring game, and while the Longhorns are expected to be a contender in 2024 they still have questions to answer.

    This is a sentiment that remains true on both the offensive side of the ball, and the defensive side of the ball. The Longhorns were able to make it to the Big 12 title and College Football Playoff this past season, but they also did so by having one of the best defensive fronts in the country in terms of stopping the run. They no longer have their two dominant defensive tackles, and they also will have a new-look secondary, which will certainly be tested by Quinn Ewers or Arch Manning this weekend.

    Here are four players on defense that Texas fans absolutely need to look out for on Saturday.

    undefined

    Sep 2, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Jaray Bledsoe (94) rushes during

    Jaray Bledsoe, DL

    Steve Sarkisian recently said the former four-star recruit was “cutting it loose” during recent spring practices, which means we could be on the precipice of a breakout for Jaray Bledsoe. Sarkisian did however explain it needs to be done consistently. Bledsoe could end up establishing himself as the dominant force that Texas needs in the interior, and going up against the veteran offensive line will allow him to showcase that.

    undefined

    Sep 3, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau (13) forces the ball

    Jaylon Guilbeau, DB

    While a lot of the buzz around Texas' secondary and rightfully so has been about Jahdae Barron, Steve Sarkisian recently had extremely high praise for Jaylon Guilbeau. Sarkisian told the media that Guilbeau is "back" in terms of how fast and physical he is playing, which means that he could very well find his way into the starting lineup consistently in 2024. He will be tested by the elite receiver talent that the Longhorns have, which could very well be the best group this secondary faces all year.

    undefined

    Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba (1) during the first quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta,

    Andrew Mukuba, S

    This one's quite simple for Longhorns fans. Texas had issues at safety last season, and went out and landed one from one of the other college football powers that has legitimate starting experience. Will he be able to improve the backend of the defense or will the battle for that starting spot continue into fall camp?

    undefined

    Jul 12, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of the Texas Longhorns helmet and logo during Big 12

    Colin Simmons, EDGE

    The Longhorns had a much improved pass rush this past season compared to years prior, and veterans like Ethan Burke and Barryn Sorrell are looking to stave off newcomers like UTSA transfer Trey Moore and five-star freshman Colin Simmons. The Duncanville product (Simmons) flashed at the recent scrimmage, and is looking to make an immediate impact as a pass rusher for the Longhorns. He will be going up against one of the best tackles in the country on the left side, and could end up going up against an extremely hungry tackle on the right side who is also fighting for a starting spot. If Simmons can make an impact, it may be difficult to keep him off the field as a freshman.

    © 2024 ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. - All Rights Reserved. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. All betting content is intended for an audience ages 21+. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators’ opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Gambling content intended for 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.