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Texas Football: 5 captain candidates for the Longhorns in 2018

By Andrew Miller

AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Jerrod Heard
AUSTIN, TX - SEPTEMBER 09: Jerrod Heard /
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AUSTIN, TX – NOVEMBER 25: Trevorris Johnson #24 of the TCU Horned Frogs runs against Anthony Wheeler #45 of the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal -Texas Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2016 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX – NOVEMBER 25: Trevorris Johnson #24 of the TCU Horned Frogs runs against Anthony Wheeler #45 of the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal -Texas Memorial Stadium on November 25, 2016 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Chris Covatta/Getty Images) /

Texas needs all hands on deck in the linebacking corps this season. That leaves a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of a senior linebacker like Anthony Wheeler. With the departures of key players like Naashon Hughes and Malik Jefferson to the NFL, there’s some obvious gaps that need covered.

Wheeler was a key piece of the linebackers last year, but he’ll be even more important this time around. In 2017, Wheeler returned his first turnover for a touchdown in the way of a fumble recovery. He also set career highs in tackles for loss and sacks with 5.5 and 2.5, respectively.

A few other key names to watch in the linebacking corps that need to step up as leaders in that position group this year include Gary Johnson and Jeffrey McCulloch. Both McCulloch and Malcolm Roach are rising juniors that should see more playing time with the departures of Hughes and Jefferson.

However, Wheeler has a lot at stake for the future of his football career this fall. He’s fighting to improve his stock for the 2019 NFL Draft, and to make a huge impact in the final year of his college career. Expect a big year from Wheeler, leading the way for this entire group of talented linebackers.

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