Projecting Texas football’s 2-deep defensive depth chart Week 1 vs. ULM

Will linebacker

Starter: DeMarvion Overshown

Backup: Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey

Linebacker is going to be one of the most improved position groups on either side of the ball for the Longhorns this fall. This newfound depth and potency among the players in the two-deep at the linebacker position should show out right from the get-go this season.

The spark that the linebacker position could bring for the entire Texas defense this fall should start and end with senior DeMarvion Overshown. After having an up-and-down first year in the PK scheme last season, Overshown has seemingly settled in and has become a real leader for this defensive front.

Behind Overshown at the will linebacker position (also taking starting reps when Texas has three true linebackers on the field at once) is the grad transfer and senior Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey.

Mike linebacker

Starter: Jaylan Ford

Backup: Jett Bush

A sleeper to be the most improved player on the defensive side of the ball for the Longhorns this season is junior middle linebacker Jaylan Ford. Down the stretch last season, Ford showed that he was very adept at finding the ball carrier as a productive off-ball linebacker. Ford has the ability to really help form a glue for this Texas defense between him and Overshown at the linebacker position.

Behind Ford at mike linebacker could be a multitude of different less proven players. Senior linebacker/edge rusher Jett Bush is definitely a high-effort and energy player that would be my pick for the backup spot on the two-deep for the season opener. But I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of junior Devin Richardson getting this spot on the two-deep for the opener.