Texas Football: 3 players that must step up in place of B.J. Foster

2) Texas football DB’s that must step up in B.J. Foster’s absence: Tyler Owens

A fellow former five-star recruit and sophomore Longhorns defensive back Tyler Owens is a name to really watch now that Foster could be out of the mix in this secondary. This sizable 6-foot-2 and 205 pound second-year Texas defensive back is a potential standout in the making, but he has yet to show that consistently to the coaching staff.

Owens did get some playing time in the season opener against UTEP. He finished the game with one total tackle. Owens was on the field for 21 total snaps, most of which came in the second half once the starters were yanked. He was targeted on one pass from the Miners, and didn’t allow a completion. He also didn’t miss any tackles in this game.

Last year, Owens was up and down for the Longhorns. He was targeted on five passing attempts, and allowed three receptions for 60 yards. Owens didn’t have any pass deflections last season, but he also gave up just three yards after the catch and didn’t give up any touchdown receptions. Owens also had seven total tackles last season, and just one missed tackle.

The former Plano East High School product hailing out of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex signed with the Longhorns as part of their 2019 recruiting class. He ranked as the nation’s No. 24 2019 high school prospect, No. 3 safety, and No. 4 prospect out of Texas in the Top247. Owens is one of the more physical and gifted safeties on this roster. He just needs to show he can reach that ceiling in the near future.