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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 cheerleaders carry Texas flags after a score 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 cheerleaders carry Texas flags after a score against the Oklahoma Sooners during Red River rivalry at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

The defensive line was a major point of emphasis in this recruiting class and none of the big boys brought to the 40 Acres are as ready to play as four-star defensive tackle Jordan Elliott.

Elliott headlines a five-man defensive tackle unit brought in on National Signing Day that will bring much-needed depth to the defensive front. Following Hassan Ridgeway’s decision to jump to the NFL after last season, the Horns were left paper-thin along the defensive line. Paul Boyette Jr., and Poona Ford Jr., return as the veterans of the group after combining for 76 tackles in 2015 with 14 combined tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

Beyond that, however, things looked bleak for Texas. Before the National Signing Day haul, the Texas depth chart had Chris Nelson and Alex Norman listed as the backups at DT. Those two have combined for just seven career tackles, all of which belong to Nelson from his freshman season in 2015.

That concerning lack of depth opens the door for Elliott to find a role early. The massive 6-foot-4, 319-pound mauler has the length and the motor to make the competitive transition to the major college level right away. His size and playmaking ability in the interior will be a major boost for a Texas defense that allowed over 219 yards per game on the ground last season.

Next: A Playmaker in the Passing Game

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