Texas Football: Mid-season report card for every position
Linebackers
Seniors are having a bigger impact on the overall picture of the linebacking corps than they are in the secondary. In fact, the front seven for the Horns is almost entirely being pushed by senior leadership which is paying off so far. Senior linebackers Gary Johnson and Anthony Wheeler are expectedly leading the way for this level of the defense.
After a slow start to the season, Johnson now has 6.5 tackles for loss (career-high), 35 total tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He’s effectively taken over the difference maker label at linebacker with how much speed and sure-tackling ability he brings to the table week in and week out.
Meanwhile, Wheeler has also been a steady force with a stat line just not as glamorous as Johnson. However, the combination of Wheeler and Johnson is the glue of the front seven and helped provide an elevated level of effectiveness of late to stop opposing ground games. Neither has made too big of an impact in pass defense, but that’s not their main role.
Junior Jeffrey McCulloch also saw a larger role in recent weeks due to the injury to b-linebacker Malcolm Roach. With Roach out long-term, McCulloch is going to be a key figure moving forward. He’s also done well so far with three tackles for loss and one pass deflection. The linebackers did get off to a slow start this year, but have picked it up of late.