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

CB1

Starter: D’Shawn Jamison

Backup: Jamier Johnson

The set-in-stone starter and one of the senior leaders for the back end of the Texas defense is the returning super senior cornerback/special teams weapon D’Shawn Jamison. Texas needs to see Jamison have a bounce-back fifth year for the Longhorns to truly see this secondary perform at or near peak efficiency this season.

Jamison took a bit of a step back in his production in pass coverage assignments last season compared to the previous two years.

Yet, Jamison looks like a prime example of a corner that should take a big step up in his production in his second season in this system under PK and cornerbacks coach Terry Joseph.

There is a real sleeper at the cornerback position that could get reps at the third player in line in this spot in the former four-star recruit and sophomore Jamier Johnson. I would imagine that Johnson gets the chance to make some immediate contributions at the cornerback position this season.

CB2

Starter: Ryan Watts

Backup: Jamier Johnson OR Terrance Brooks

When Texas is lining up with two cornerbacks on the field this fall, the other starter opposite Jamison should be the former Ohio State Buckeyes redshirt sophomore transfer Ryan Watts. The 6-foot-3 Watts brings great length and physicality to the table. Watts looks like an excellent fit for this PK defensive scheme as he tries to emphasize physicality off the line of scrimmage in man-to-man coverage.

Behind Watts at this cornerback spot could either be Johnson or the former Ohio State flip and true freshman Terrance Brooks, depending on any potential injuries and/or how many corners are on the field at any one time.