Texas Football: Breaking down the 2018 depth chart

Safety

Starter: Brandon Jones, junior

Backup: B.J. Foster, freshman

For the other safety spot opposite of Sterns, his fellow five-star 2018 prospect won’t be starting Week 1. That role will go to the talented junior Brandon Jones. While Jones had a bigger season when he was given the opportunity last year, he has yet to meet his potential. That clock has to be ticking for Jones to make the impact he’s capable of.

Meanwhile, if Jones can’t step up to his fullest extent soon, there’s a pretty skilled freshman safety waiting in the wings in B.J. Foster. For the 2018 recruiting cycle, Foster was rated as the third-best safety in the nation. At one point, Jones was a top-rated safety prospect in the nation too so he still has a lot of promise to live up to.

There’s no question that the future of the safety position for the Horns revolves around Foster and Sterns. It just might have to wait until the 2019 season for the defensive backfield to have both of those former five-star standout safeties in starting roles. Foster has a bit more work to do before he can claim a starting spot.

Last season, Jones registered 61 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble. Herman and Orlando are still being patient with Jones and with good reason. If he fulfills that promise in his junior season, the entire Texas defense will have from having his presence.