Texas football has some big shoes to fill on the defensive line as spring practices begin

There are some big shoes to fill on the Texas football team’s defensive front as the Longhorns kicked off spring football practices on a crisp Tuesday morning at Denius Fields.

Quite literally.

T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II, a pair of All-American defensive tackles who formed the foundation of Texas’ dominant run defense in 2023, will soon become high picks in next month’s NFL draft. Fans have spent months wringing their hands and fretting about finding suitable replacements.

Texas defensive tackle Vernon Broughton goes through drills during the first practice of spring football Tuesday at Denius Fields. Broughton is one of several veterans expected to step into one of the starting roles left by T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II, who will both be picked in next month’s NFL draft.

But Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian and his revamped defensive staff that includes a new defensive line coach in Kenny Baker and a new co-defensive coordinator in linebackers coach in Johnny Nansen?

Not so much, as Sarkisian said in his first spring football meeting with the media after Tuesday’s practice.

“We have some probably a little bit more experience than maybe people will want to give us credit for,” Sarkisian said.

The top candidates to step up for Texas

Specifically, Texas has veterans like Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton back in the fold as well as a seasoned player in transfer Tiaoalii Savea from Arizona. Those three seniors have combined to play 117 games in their careers, and Sarkisian thinks any of that trio could have a breakout senior season that has become typical of the Texas defensive front.

“Alfred is a very talented player who has matured from one year to the next to the next,” Sarkisian said. “If he continues on the progression that he’s on, he’s poised to have a great year. I think Vernon…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/texas-football-big-shoes-fill-202509002.html

Author : Austin American-Statesman

Publish date : 2024-03-19 20:25:09

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