Texas Football: Pre-spring Longhorns defensive depth chart

Safety Pt. 2

Starter: Tyler Owens, Sophomore

This might be the hottest take of the defensive depth chart so far ahead of the start of spring camp for the Texas football program. There’s not much of a chance that the former five-star recruit and sophomore safety Tyler Owens gets the first-team practice reps over his competitor at this position in spring drills.

However, Owens has more than enough talent and promise to win the starting job from his competitor if he shows out early in the year. Since he did get some early playing time last season, he could parlay that into momentum heading into spring camp. Last year, Owens played in spots of six games, racking up eight total tackles.

Backup: Chris Brown, Senior

Safety is one of the healthier positions on the defensive side of the ball heading into spring camp on the Forty Acres. Texas should utilize that health at the safety position to really move this secondary forward as Ash gets his position group accustomed to his scheme this year. Senior Chris Brown could be a steward of that transition too.

Regardless of how the depth chart stacks up at the second safety spot for the Longhorns this fall, Brown and Owens should both be getting a good amount of playing time. But that playing time will start to be earned in spring practice.

Last season, Brown registered 46 total tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, one interception, two pass deflections, and one fumble recovery.