Last season, one of the main criticisms of Texas’s defense was that they could not pressure the opposing quarterback. However, former defensive coordinator Todd Orlando received the brunt of the blame and was ousted. This season, the Longhorns will have a new defensive coordinator in Chris Ash. In addition, Texas will be using Ash’s 4-3 defensive scheme this year.
In 2020, Joseph Ossai will be unleashed on defense. Ossai is moving to the Jack position, where he will be rushing the passer much more frequently. In addition to Ossai, the Longhorns have a lot of talent up front.
Today’s Longhorns position preview concludes our look at the team’s position groups. Last week, we focused our attention on the linebackers.
2020 Defensive Front Starters:
Jack: Joseph Ossai (Junior)
2019 Stats: 90 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 INTs and 1 forced fumble.
Similar to Coburn, Graham was another defensive stalwart for the Longhorns in 2019 as he started in all 13 of Texas’s games. Entering the 2020 season, the Longhorns will need Graham to be a mentor to some of the team’s young talent on the defensive front. In addition, it will be vital that Coburn & Graham are able to plug up the gaps up front, helping to take pressure off of Texas’s inexperienced linebackers.
DE: Moro Ojomo (Redshirt Sophomore)
2019 Stats: 13 tackles.
Last season, Ojomo appeared in all 13 of Texas’s games. However, this season, he will have an elevated role with the team as a regular starter. At 6’3″ and 276 pounds, Ojomo is decently sized and has the potential to create havoc for the defense.
2020 Defensive Front Rotation:
Jack: Reese Leitao (Junior)
2019 Stats: 1 tackle.
Entering this season, Sweat is lined up to be Keondre Coburn’s backup at nose tackle. In addition, Sweat should receive plenty of playing time in his role as he will provide the defensive front with fresh legs.
DT: Alfred Collins (Freshman)
2019 High School Stats (Courtesy of 247Sports): 86 tackles, 8 sacks and 4 forced fumbles.
Last season, Jones appeared in 11 games for the Longhorns. Prior to the 2019 season, Jones transferred to Texas from Butler Community College. He made a name for himself at Butler as he was ranked as the nation’s 17th best 2019 junior college prospect by 247Sports.
Outlook:
This year’s defensive front is one of the more exciting groups that Texas has recently had. This season, Joseph Ossai has the potential to make his draft stock skyrocket. Furthermore, Ossai is joined by a group that is poised to create some damage. The addition of Chris Ash should help the defensive front in particular, as his defensive scheme places a focus on getting a pass rush. However, ultimately, it will be up to the players to make the game changing plays, not the coaches. The Longhorns will only go as far as the defense takes them.
