Hook'em Headlines
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 11
Next
Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive tackle Poona Ford (95) recovers a fumble by Baylor Bears running back Johnny Jefferson (5) during the second half 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 defensive tackle Poona Ford (95) recovers a fumble by Baylor Bears running back Johnny Jefferson (5) during the second half at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Poona Ford, DT

The Longhorns were paper-thin at defensive tackle before a huge haul on National Signing Day. But the team needs someone to lead this young group and junior Poona Ford is the man for the job.

Every time Ford got onto the field in 2015, he flashed incredibly playmaking ability. Despite only starting five games, Ford finished the year with 39 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. He was instrumental in Texas’ wins over Oklahoma and Baylor last season and should find a featured role on the defensive line this season.

We saw incredible growth from Ford from his freshman to sophomore seasons. In 2014, Ford played sparingly and recorded just nine tackles with one tackle for loss. With a bigger role in the defensive rotation last season, Ford started to blossom into a real difference maker. Now imagine what he could do with another year of experience under his belt and a featured spot in the starting defense.

There will be a wealth of talent on the interior defensive line in 2016 but much of that talent will be inexperienced freshman. This team needs a leader to emerge to take control of the defensive tackle group and Ford is the man for the job. His growth as an interior presence will directly impact the Horns’ fortunes this fall.

Next: 8. Jerrod Heard, WR

Home/Texas Football