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Texas Football: Breaking down the 2018 depth chart

By Andrew Miller

AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 07: Derek Kerstetter #68 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates with Jerrod Heard #13 after a touchdown in the first overtime period against the Kansas State Wildcats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 07: Derek Kerstetter #68 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates with Jerrod Heard #13 after a touchdown in the first overtime period against the Kansas State Wildcats at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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FORT WORTH, TX – NOVEMBER 04: Kenny Hill (7) of the TCU Horned Frogs is pursued by Charles Omenihu (90) of the Texas Longhorns in the second quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Richard W. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
FORT WORTH, TX – NOVEMBER 04: Kenny Hill (7) of the TCU Horned Frogs is pursued by Charles Omenihu (90) of the Texas Longhorns in the second quarter at Amon G. Carter Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Richard W. Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

Defensive End

Starter: Charles Omenihu, senior

Backup: Taquon Graham, sophomore

The most potent of the sophomore linemen for the Horns, Taquon Graham, will be backing up senior Charles Omenihu at the other defensive end spot. Omenihu should be able to serve as a great defensive end to push Graham through the final stages in his development before he takes over a starting role next year.

Omenihu has been around forever for the Texas defense and will continue to serve as a leader by example this year. His size and quick motor make him a great catalyst for the pass rush, to where other edge rushers like Hager can finish off the job. He has seven career sacks and 70 career total tackles to bring some experience to the table that could help any defensive line.

It’s key for Omenihu and Hager to make up for at least eight or 10 sacks this season. Even though Omenihu might not be the most talented pass rusher among this front seven, he sure is one of the steadiest. Any steady force that Texas can have in this front seven that could be the best in the Big 12 is very welcome.

Graham also showed some huge flashes last year with six total tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack in very limited action in just four games. He was one of the more highly-touted signees for the 2017 recruiting class as a former four-star weakside defensive end prospect.

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