Texas Football: Breaking down the 2018 depth chart

Nickelback

Starter: P.J. Locke III, senior

Backup: Josh Thompson, sophomore

The contributions made by senior P.J. Locke III over the past three seasons fly very much under the radar. Considering how much attention Texas secondaries usually command, Locke III should be getting a lot more notoriety for what he’s done since the 2015 season. He has one more year on the Forty Acres to get the respect he deserves.

Over the course of his three-year career with the Horns, Locke III has two interceptions, more than 80 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, nine pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. He will never pick off the most passes of any Texas defensive back, but he is able to clean up messes left by the rest of the secondary each and every game.

Behind Locke III is sophomore Josh Thompson who finds himself in a weird spot. Texas has even more incoming talent in the next recruiting class with a few guys who could play nickelback. Thompson needs to step up and prove himself this year in whatever opportunities he’s given to prove his worth.

Thompson had some playing time last season and racked up 13 total tackles. However, his role might not increase too much this fall with all the young talent in the mix now. This former four-star cornerback prospect from the 2017 recruiting class also has a ticking clock as to when he can find a permanent significant role with the Texas defense.