Texas Football: 5 Most Important Freshmen for the Longhorns in 2016
By Tyler Brett
While these five freshmen are poised to play pivotal roles in the Longhorns’ success this season, they’re far from the only ones who will contribute this season. Expect these other first year players to make their mark in 2016.
Jeffrey McCulloch, OLB: Nicknamed “The Shark,” McCulloch is one of the best outside linebackers in the 2016 class. With a similar skill set to Malik Jefferson, the incoming freshman should find his way onto the field as one of the top reserves for a fierce linebacker group.
Chris Daniels, DT: Much like Jordan Elliott, Daniels is going to benefit from joining a very thin defensive tackle group. The 6-foot-4, 328-pound behemoth is a stout interior defender that can consume blockers and shut down the middle of the field.
Jean Delance, OT: At 6-foot-5 and 299 pounds, Delance is a massive prospect with great overall length and a frame that will benefit from added bulk. However, the four-star prospect is strong enough to contribute right away if called upon and will provide depth for the offensive line behind right tackle Tristan Nickelson.
Andrew Fitzgerald, DE: After Charlie Strong raved about Fitzgerald during National Signing Day, it would be hard to imagine the 6-foot-5, 247-pound defensive end doesn’t get on the field this season. He has a non-stop motor that the coaching staff loves and has a surplus of raw talent as a pass rusher.
Erick Fowler, DE/OLB: Fowler flipped from LSU at the last minute and filled a major want for Strong in this recruiting class. The 6-foot-1, 233-pounder is a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker prospect who could be a versatile playmaker off the edge for the Horns. Fowler has some catching up to do, however, after missing the first week of fall camp while settling some eligibility questions.