Texas Football: Breaking down the 2018 depth chart

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 02 Maryland at Texas AUSTIN, TX – SEPTEMBER 02: Texas defenders Chris Nelson (97) and Anthony Wheeler (45) get ready for a play during game between the Texas Longhorns and the Maryland Terrapins on September 2, 2017 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, TX. The Texas Longhorns lost to the Maryland Terrapins 51 – 41. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Defensive Tackle

Starter: Chris Nelson, senior

Backup: Gerald Wilbon, junior

Texas has depth for days to anchor down the defensive line. Defensive tackle might not have the skill or production to make up for the loss of current Seattle Seahawks’ undrafted rookie Poona Ford. However, senior Chris Nelson and junior Gerald Wilbon provide more than enough depth to at least still be solid at defensive tackle.

Nelson will get most of the work up the middle on the defensive line this year. He had his best individual season back in 2016, when he racked up six tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. In his three year career, Nelson has 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He is one of the most experienced linemen that Texas has rostered.

Wilbon could be the next man up for the Horns after the departure of Nelson following the end of the 2018 season. He doesn’t have as much proven production in his two-year career with Texas as Wilbon has just 11 total tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss. Wilbon is massive, though, at 6-foot-3 and more than 310 pounds.

Behind Nelson and Wilbon will likely place the former four-star defensive tackle prospect and true freshman Keondre Coburn. Wilbon and Coburn should battle it out for the starting spot next season, but the freshman could be a redshirt candidate this fall.

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