Breaking down 4 transfers Texas football should offer this summer

Ahman Ross, LB/DB

A recent transfer portal entrant that could help fill a depth need on the defensive side of the ball this spring for Kwiatkowski and the Longhorns is the former Florida Atlantic Owls senior linebacker/defensive back Ahman Ross. This 6-foot and 210-pound hybrid safety/linebacker has played at multiple positions for the Owls in the last few seasons.

That type of versatility could be a nice for fit the Texas defense at the star position. Ross is a player that is a much-improved tackler, a capable DB in pass coverage, and quick in diagnosing plays at the line of scrimmage. He had issues with missed tackles early in his career, but that has greatly improved in the last couple of seasons.

In fact, Ross led the Owls among eligible players on defense in terms of tackling grade. He was also one of the five highest-graded defensive backs in the Conference-USA in tackling grade last season.

He was also very productive in multiple respects playing at multiple different positions for the Owls in the last three seasons. Since 2019, Ross registered 135 combined tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks, 15 quarterback pressures, one interception, eight pass breakups, and four forced fumbles.

Ross was a real playmaker for the FAU defense that was about as versatile as any player for them over the course of the last few seasons.

Ross would not necessarily be planned to come in and fill a starting spot in the secondary right away. The same could be said if Kwiatkowski, Choate, and the Longhorns wanted him to add some weight and play as more of a hybrid linebacker.

Yet, Ross could certainly add depth either at the star position or as a hybrid safety. Texas is pretty thin in terms of proven depth at the star and safety positions. Ross could be a nice addition that could help along some of the younger players at these spots while shoring up the depth in case injuries become an issue this fall.