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Texas Football: 5 pivotal spring camp position battles

By Andrew Miller

LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 10: Da'Leon Ward #21 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders tries to break then tackle of B.J. Foster #25 of the Texas Longhorns during the 2nd half of the game on November 10, 2018 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Texas defeated Texas Tech 41-34. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - NOVEMBER 10: Da'Leon Ward #21 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders tries to break then tackle of B.J. Foster #25 of the Texas Longhorns during the 2nd half of the game on November 10, 2018 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Texas defeated Texas Tech 41-34. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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AUSTIN, TX – SEPTEMBER 08: Shamari Brooks #3 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane is tackled by Josh Thompson #29 of the Texas Longhorns and Anthony Wheeler #45 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX – SEPTEMBER 08: Shamari Brooks #3 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane is tackled by Josh Thompson #29 of the Texas Longhorns and Anthony Wheeler #45 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

4. Middle Linebacker/Rover

We’re going to package these two positions together into one since it all involves the linebacking corps for this talented defense for Texas football. What we do know about this group of linebackers is that there’s really only two returning with a significant amount of game experience under their belt.

We’ve mentioned over and over again how big of an impact it will have for the Horns to lose the senior starting linebacker combination of Anthony Wheeler and Gary Johnson. What Johnson did this past season got plenty of attention next to the likes of the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year, and defensive end Charles Omenihu.

Now, all three aforementioned seniors along the front seven are likely headed into the 2019 NFL Draft. Omenihu and Johnson should both be off draft boards by the end of the fourth round. Wheeler would be a sixth or seventh round selection if he doesn’t wind up as an undrafted free agent. Nonetheless, these spots are very important to fill.

Some of the names to watch for middle linebacker include redshirt freshman Ayodele Adeoye and incoming freshman four-star California native De’Gabriel Floyd. If three-star JUCO 2019 signee Caleb Johnson recovers soon, he could be a name to watch for middle linebacker too. Redshirt freshman and converted safety DeMarvion Overshown could be the runaway starter at rover.

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