Texas vs Oklahoma: 5 Players Who Must Step Up for Longhorns Football
By Tyler Brett
It’s time for Malik Jefferson to make an impact. The outstanding sophomore came into this season with high expectations, being named Preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Through four games, however, his impact has not lived up to the hype. That needs to change this weekend.
So far this season, Jefferson has accounted for 23 tackles but has just one tackle for loss that he got on a sack in the season-opener against Notre Dame. He has seen his tackle numbers drop from game to game, has just two passes defended, and has yet to generate any type of turnover (fumble or interception). As the centerpiece of this defense, that is unacceptable.
Jefferson has all the tools to be one of the best defenders in the nation. But as he has struggled, the entire defense has struggled. During last Saturday’s loss to Oklahoma State, fans knew this defense was in trouble when Jefferson flashed into the backfield with a clean shot on the running back Justice Hill for a tackle for loss and he whiffed. Hill turned what should have been a 5-yard loss into a 4-yard gain and perfectly personified the Texas defense in the process.
For Texas to win, they need more from their defense. For their defense to do more, they need their leader Malik Jefferson to wreak havoc. The stage is set for a breakout performance from Jefferson. Will he answer the call?