Last season, Joseph Ossai was the star linebacker for the Longhorns. However, in 2020, Ossai will have an increased role on the defensive line thanks to new defensive coordinator Chris Ash. As a result, the Longhorns will need to have several players step up as leaders at the linebacker position.
Currently, we are under a week away from Texas’s first game of the 2020 season. One position that will need to gel together rather quickly is the linebacker group. Prior to the season, there has been plenty of storylines from this group; ranging from switching positions to flirting with the transfer portal.
Our last defensive position preview was of the secondary. Today, we will be taking a look at Texas’s linebacker room.
2020 Linebacker Options:
DeMarvion Overshown (Junior)
2019 Stats: 18 tackles, 3 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble and 1 INT.
Last season, Mitchell started in 5 games for the Longhorns. However, after the season came to a close, Mitchell entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal. Eventually, Mitchell withdrew his name and rejoined the team. Prior to this season, Mitchell will compete with Ayodele Adeoye for the starting job at middle linebacker.
Ayodele Adeoye (Redshirt Sophomore)
2019 Stats: 45 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 passes defensed and 1 INT.
Last December, the Longhorns were able to flip three-star prospect, Jaylan Ford, from the Utah Utes. Prior to this upcoming season, Ford has created a lot of buzz out of Texas’s fall camp. While it is doubtful that Ford would be named a starter to begin the season, don’t be surprised if he is able to work his way into the rotation.
Outlook:
If there was a position that you had to be cautious about, this would be the one. In Texas’s bowl game against Utah, the Longhorns had to rely on former walk-on, Cort Jaquess, for production. This year’s group of athletes is talented, however it might take some time for them to create chemistry with each other.
