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Texas Football: 10 Longhorns Who Will Turn Program Around in 2016

By Tyler Brett

Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong celebrates the win over the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong celebrates the win over the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; Ames, IA, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Malik Jefferson (46) tackles Iowa State Cyclones running back Mike Warren (2) during the third quarter at Jack Trice Stadium. The Cyclones beat the Longhorns 24-0. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; Ames, IA, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Malik Jefferson (46) tackles Iowa State Cyclones running back Mike Warren (2) during the third quarter at Jack Trice Stadium. The Cyclones beat the Longhorns 24-0. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Malik Jefferson, OLB

Malik Jefferson came to Texas as a highly touted linebacker recruit and was pushed into a featured defensive role immediately. He responded by being one of the best defenders on the Texas defense. This season, he’s prepared to become a star.

As soon as Jefferson stepped onto campus, he was expected to contribute. He finished his freshman season second on the team with 61 tackles with 7.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He also broke up three passes, forced a fumble, and returned a fumble for a touchdown. But that was just scratching the surface of his ability.

Jefferson has embraced his role as a leader on this defense and done everything asked of him to make himself and the team around him better. His versatility and athleticism will take his game to new heights in 2016 now that he’s had a full year under his belt and he now knows what it takes to succeed at this level. Last year, the team hardly used his best skill, rushing the passer, and he still recorded six quarterback pressures to go along with his sacks. Expect that to change this season.

Jefferson has become the face of the youth movement at Texas under Strong and he is ready to mature into a leader for this team. His rise to stardom will greatly impact this Texas defense in 2016 and be a major factor in how successful the Longhorns can be.

Next: 1. Shane Buechele, QB

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