Texas Football: 3 players whose stock is down post-spring

David Gbenda, LB

There is a lot of potential that comes along with the skill set of the former four-star recruit and 6-foot and 230 pound junior linebacker David Gbenda. Two position changes, and a revolving door at the linebacker position in front of him on the depth chart over the course of the last two years has made it difficult for Gbenda to find consistency in his college career to date.

And just when it looked like Gbenda was going to firmly compete for a starting linebacker role with the Longhorns this fall, it might be taken away from him by way of roster attrition and transfer portal additions. Texas saw the likes of junior linebackers Ayodele Adeoye and Juwan Mitchell put their names in the transfer portal this offseason.

Mitchell took his talents to join the Tennessee Volunteers out of the portal, and Adeoye is still looking to find his next home. Texas also lost sophomore linebacker, Byron Vaughns, to the portal, and he chose to take his talents to join the Utah State Aggies next.

The roster turnover at the linebacker position could make it difficult for Gbenda to prove that he can handle a starting role this fall. Texas brought in the likes of senior Ray Thornton, senior Ben Davis, junior Ovie Oghoufo, and redshirt sophomore Devin Richardson, all to fill holes along the front seven (mostly at linebacker) so far this offseason.

It is clear that the Longhorns are trying to evaluate all options (which could still be the right move all things considered) instead of just assuming it is next man up to be the starters on the defensive side of the ball. Gbenda does not look like he did enough in spring camp to solidify a starting spot in the front seven for the fall.