Texas Football: Two-deep defensive depth chart for spring

Mike linebacker

Starter: Jaylan Ford

Backup: Devin Richardson

One of the linebacker spots that might not have a real position battle to watch heading into spring camp is at Mike. The starter should be rising senior Jaylan Ford, who had some really solid performances for the Longhorns down the stretch last season when injuries started to pile up.

And the backup here could very likely be the former New Mexico State Aggies transfer and junior Devin Richardson.

Texas does have an interesting situation developing at the Mike linebacker position, though. With the probable return of the former walk-on and senior linebacker Luke Brockermeyer by the start of fall camp, there could be a trio of Longhorns players in the Mike rotation this year.

Yet, I would still anticipate Ford wins the starting job here given his consistent production getting major snaps down the stretch last season. Richardson should also present the coaches with a good case to get more snaps in the linebacker rotation this fall.

Sam linebacker

Starter: Ovie Oghoufo

Backup: Prince Dorbah

We already mentioned the importance that Oghoufo will have for the defensive front for the Longhorns this year. That is especially the case in spring ball.

Oghoufo is a player that will have to show a new level of versatility in spring ball to really help this group of linebackers reach new heights in 2022.

Sam linebacker is another spot at this level of the defense that Oghoufo could be getting starting reps in spring camp. It makes sense that Texas would have Oghoufo cross-train at Sam and Buck linebacker in spring ball so that they can find the best spot for him in fall camp once the work in the transfer portal is done this offseason.

A factor at the Sam linebacker position in spring ball could be the former touted blue-chip recruit and sophomore Prince Dorbah. The former Highland Park High School product could finally get his much-anticipated breakthrough this offseason with a newfound opportunity to find his way onto the two-deep in spring camp.

Will linebacker

Starter: Demarvion Overshown

Backup: David Gbenda

The leader at the linebacker position for the Longhorns in 2022 is going to be the returning senior Demarvion Overshown. There isn’t a single more versatile or capable proven playmaker for Texas at the linebacker position entering spring camp than the gifted Overshown.

The difference this year will be the fact that Overshown needs to consistently show he can be a leader on this defense that consistently makes plays. Overshown definitely had an up and down 2021 campaign. He’ll need to turn a corner in 2022 in regard to the consistency of his playmaking for this defense.

Behind Overshown should be the rising junior linebacker David Gbenda. Best fit to play at the Will linebacker position, Gbenda is one player that Texas fans wanted to see rise to the occasion for a couple of years now. He’ll have another chance to do so in spring ball this year.