Texas Football: 5 former Longhorns finding success elsewhere in 2021

Jalen Green, Mississippi State DB

One player on this list that the Longhorns would certainly like to have back at this point is the former highly-touted four-star recruit and senior cornerback/safety Jalen Green.

During his three years playing for Texas, Green almost exclusively took snaps at the cornerback position. But Mississippi State has him taking most of his snaps this fall at the strong safety position. Granted, more than 130 of his snaps this fall came at free safety. He’s also played some as a slot corner for the Bulldogs this fall.

If Mississippi State’s defense is showing us anything this fall, it’s that the Longhorns weren’t able to capitalize on all of the versatility that Green brings to the table. Mississippi State has utilized Green in almost every phase of the defense throughout the fall. That is evident by the fact that he’s got a decent pass-rushing, defensive, and run defense grade in 2021.

He also has by far the best defensive grade of his career with Mississippi State this season.

Green has registered two-dozen combined tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions, four pass breakups, and one fumble recovery. He’s also got three run stuffs, six stops, four quarterback hurries, and two QB hits on the season.

But maybe the most impressive part of Green’s production this fall with the Bulldogs is the fact that he’s allowed an NFL QB below 47 when targeted in pass coverage assignments this fall. That places him in the top 15th percentile of all safeties in the SEC in pass coverage.

All in all, Green is having a really impressive senior campaign in his first year in Starkville. This season has likely dramatically boosted his draft stock as his physical tools were never a question.