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Texas Football: 5 Most Important Freshmen for the Longhorns in 2016

By Tyler Brett

Nov 7, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; University of Texas Longhorns tight end Dominic Cruciani (48) carries out the American flag before the game against the University of Kansas Jayhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; University of Texas Longhorns tight end Dominic Cruciani (48) carries out the American flag before the game against the University of Kansas Jayhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns cheerleader carries a Texas flag against the Oklahoma Sooners during Red River rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns cheerleader carries a Texas flag against the Oklahoma Sooners during Red River rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

The Texas secondary has a chance to be special in 2016 thanks in part to the star power of four-star safety Brandon Jones.

There are already solid safeties on the roster for Texas heading into 2015. At the start of fall camp, veterans Dylan Haines and Jason Hall, with a combined 41 starts between them, are at the top of the depth chart. Their experience is certainly invaluable and will make them difficult to displace from the the starting lineup.

However, both players have limitations athletically. P.J. Locke and DeShon Elliott both showed flashes of starting-caliber talent as true freshmen last season and they pushed Haines and Hall throughout spring ball for the starting spots. Neither of them, however, has the physical tools and off-the-charts athleticism that Jones brings to the table.

At the end of the day, Jones may prove to be too talented to keep on the sidelines. For a Texas defense that allowed more than 450 yards per game last season, adding playmakers at all levels is a major priority. While he doesn’t have the in-game experience of some of his counterparts, players play and Jones’ ability will likely find a way to make plays for the Horns this season.

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