5 Longhorns Who Must Use 2015 Preseason All-Big 12 Football Team List as Motivation

Sep 21, 2013; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Desmond Jackson (99) reacts to an officials call during the fourth quarter of a football game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. The Longhorns won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Desmond Jackson, DT

It’s likely that if Jackson doesn’t go down with a foot injury in the third game of the 2014 season he is with an NFL team getting ready for training camp. He was on his way to that kind of season.

While Malcolm Brown was starting to get the attention of opposing defensive coordinators, Jackson was quietly benefiting from the double teams Brown was beginning to draw. It is likely he would have had a great season statistically considering what Ridgeway did in Jackson’s place.

Jackson may experience déjà vu as coordinators gear up to stop the immensely-talented Ridgeway. Jackson should see mostly one-on-one blocking. Staying healthy will be key, but the senior could very well anchor one of the best defensive lines in the conference. And that gets you noticed when it’s time to select end of season honors.