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Texas Football: 10 Former Longhorns to Watch this NFL Season

By Tyler Brett

Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Fans in the Texas student section cheer during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas won 50-47 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Fans in the Texas student section cheer during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Texas won 50-47 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) makes a reception during the second quarter as New Orleans Saints strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) defends at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 16-9. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) makes a reception during the second quarter as New Orleans Saints strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) defends at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 16-9. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Kenny Vaccaro has been a bright spot on an otherwise dreary New Orleans defense the past three seasons. The former first-round pick is one of the few talents the Saints can rely on and should continue to be a leader in 2016.

During his four-year career at Texas, Vaccaro developed his ability to lead on defense as a playmaking safety. He worked his way into the starting lineup during his sophomore season and became a mainstay of the defense as a junior in 2011. He was named First-Team All-Big 12 in both 2011 and 2012 and earned First-Team All-American honors as a senior.

Vaccaro made an immediate impact for the Saints as a rookie, recording 79 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and an interception in 2013, getting named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. His rookie season was cut short by injury and his return in 2014 was erratic, nearly costing him his spot in the starting lineup. He enjoyed a bounce-back season in 2015, however, starting every game for the Saints and recording 104 tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble.

Vaccaro will try and help piece together a passable defense for New Orleans in 2016. They open their season at home against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.

Next: 5. Brian Orakpo, LB Tennessee Titans

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