Texas Football: 5 freshmen who should be vying for early playing time

More athletic linebackers that can be quick off the edge and able to drop into pass coverage are going to be hard to come by for Texas football this fall. This is the sole reason why the four-star recruit and inside linebacker David Gbenda could come into play for the Longhorns defense this coming season.

Gbenda enrolled early with Texas, so he at least got to play in the Orange-White Game back in April. The 247Sports pre-fall camp depth chart projections had Gbenda as the backup rover just behind senior Jeffrey McCulloch.

If anything happens to McCulloch, a lot of responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Gbenda right away. Gbenda could also play up the middle for the Longhorns at middle linebacker since he has the size and strength for a true freshman to possibly hold his own. Gbenda stands at 6-foot and 225 pounds.

In the same discussions as linebackers like former JUCO transfers Caleb Johnson and Juwan Mitchell, this could be an interesting shake out as the Texas regular season unfolds. Herman and defensive coordinator Todd Orlando will need to have the linebacker position somehow figured out by the time LSU comes to town on Sep. 7.