Texas Football: 5 reasons the Longhorns could struggle in 2018

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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 27: Anthony Wheeler #45 of the Texas Longhorns picks up a fumble and returns for a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers during the Academy Sports & Outdoors Bowl at NRG Stadium on December 27, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

5. Depth issues at linebacker

Beyond the likes of a pair of senior linebackers in Gary Johnson and Anthony Wheeler, this level of the defense for the Horns starts to get a bit thin. To start the off-season, it seemed like Texas might be able to get through the upcoming season with the personnel at hand. Some key departures combined with some drama during the off-season caused this position to thin out.

The most recent departures for the Texas linebackers came in the form of a transfer from senior Edwin Freeman and the dismissal of Demarco Boyd due to off the field legal issues. Combine that with losing some linebackers like former All-American Malik Jefferson hurts for the upcoming season of action.

The B-linebacker spot might have the best situation in terms of depth for the upcoming season, between a pair of juniors in Jeffrey McCulloch and Malcolm Roach. McCulloch earned some extra playing time in spring camp and Roach is a breakout player to watch not just for the Horns, but across the country this fall.

If either Wheeler or Johnson goes down with injury this season or falters with the on field performance, then Texas is really going to have to reach to find an answer. Freshman inside linebacker Ayodele Adeoye is a name to watch, but he shouldn’t get thrown into action too early if he’s not ready.

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