Hook'em Headlines
Fansided

Texas Football: 5 grad transfers the Longhorns should still pursue

By Andrew Miller

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Terence Williams #22 of the Baylor Bears finds room to run during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on November 25, 2016 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 54-35. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Terence Williams #22 of the Baylor Bears finds room to run during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on November 25, 2016 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 54-35. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 15: Running back Darius Tice #6 of the South Florida Bulls drags defensive back Patrick Nelson #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini into the endzone for the team’s touchdown during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 15, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 15: Running back Darius Tice #6 of the South Florida Bulls drags defensive back Patrick Nelson #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini into the endzone for the team’s touchdown during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 15, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. /Getty Images) /

The defensive backs should be solid for the Horns this year, but the safety spot could still use some help. Cornerback is deeper than safety, but Texas bringing in two five-star recruits in the 2018 class including Caden Sterns and B.J. Foster is huge. To help the development of both Sterns and Foster come along early, Texas could bring in an additional safety.

Former standout on the defense for the Illinois Fighting Illini Pat Nelson is one of the bigger fish among grad transfer defensive backs. He’s been a leader for the Illinois defense the past two years. Nelson even finished the 2017 campaign tied for third in total tackles on the team.

At this moment, the projected starting safeties for the Horns are rising senior P.J. Locke III and rising junior Brandon Jones. Locke III should have his position locked up already, but Jones might not have the same fortune. And, the defensive backfield is always a great area to have extra depth.

Nelson could also have the versatility to frequently drop back in coverage if need be. He’d be a very welcome addition to the secondary for Texas. Yet, there are a few different suitors for Nelson already and it would be tough for the Horns to gain some ground in that race.

Home/Texas Football