Texas Football: 3 problematic Cajuns players for the Horns

Bralen Trahan, S

If you think that all the Longhorns have to worry about in Louisiana’s defensive backfield heading into this weekend, reconsider. In fact, the best Louisiana defensive back this fall might be the redshirt senior 6-foot and 190-pound safety Bralen Trahan. This experienced super senior can be effective lining up in a multitude of different spots on the field, and he’s taken more than 1,000 snaps on defense in his career.

Trahan split his snaps last season between lining up in the box and as a free safety. But he’s done both effectively throughout the past two seasons. That type of versatility is something that Sark and new offensive line coach/offensive coordinator Kyle Flood have to keep in mind.

More effective in pass coverage than in stopping the run or rushing the passer, Texas can take advantage of some of the looks that Louisiana and defensive coordinator Patrick Toney use Trahan in where he is less efficient.

Last season, Trahan registered 48 combined tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, no sacks, four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and nine pass breakups.

Trahan is an absolute playmaker for the Cajuns. And he rarely allows any yards after the catch (only one game with more than 10 last season). The best way for Texas to beat him is going to be just keeping the ball away from him in the passing game. Get him off balance by running the ball his way and getting him lost in pass coverage.

There’s no doubt that the Cajuns’ defensive back duo of Trahan and Garner will be a load for the Longhorns to deal with. The good news is that this is where Sark excels in beating opposing defensive coordinators.