Texas Football: Pre-spring Longhorns defensive depth chart

Defensive Tackle

Starter: Moro Ojomo, Redshirt Sophomore

Possibly the biggest adjustment for the defense of the Texas football program next season will be going from the smaller front that Orlando liked to run with more speed compared to Chris Ash’s scheme. The former Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach likes to have a lot more size and strength in the trenches, hence why Graham and redshirt sophomore Moro Ojomo could be manning the two ends.

Last season, Ojomo had a breakthrough near the end of the 2019 campaign. He racked up 13 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery. Ojomo only got to play in bits and pieces of eight different games, but he stood out in the Alamo Bowl. He’ll be trying to replace a lot of the production left by the departure of former Texas defensive end Malcolm Roach.

Backup: Vernon Broughton, Freshman

There’s a host of defensive tackles who could be backing up Ojomo this fall on the Forty Acres. Texas needs to find the right answer, whether it be going with more experience or the more highly touted player. That’s where the decision between the former four-star 2020 signee Vernon Broughton and redshirt freshman Daniel Carson will come into play.

Carson at least has the experience of competing last offseason and playing in one game during his true freshman campaign where he registered just one total tackle and no tackles for loss. Or, Ash can roll with the defensive tackle with the higher ceiling in Broughton. A top 100 rated 2020 high school prospect in the nation, Broughton brings a high level of speed to the table for his frame, at 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds.