Projecting Texas football’s 2-deep defensive depth chart Week 1 vs. ULM
Free safety
Starter: Jerrin Thompson
Backup: Kitan Crawford
Another important vocal leader in this secondary this season will be junior safety Jerrin Thompson.
After having an up-and-down sophomore campaign in his first season playing in this PK defensive scheme, Thompson looks more confident and capable this fall. And that’s a good thing given the level of reliance that Texas will have on their starting field safety Thompson.
Texas got beat deep occasionally last season in a costly manner when there were just some flat-out missed assignments in the back end of the defense. That will largely fall on Thompson’s shoulders to help clean that up for this secondary this fall.
Moreover, a solid showing since spring ball for junior defensive back Kitan Crawford could see him get some early reps this season at the field safety position to see how much he can prove himself after the position change in live-game situations.
Boundary safety
Starter: Anthony Cook
Backup: BJ Allen Jr. OR Mo Blackwell Jr.
One of the most experienced defensive players returning for the Longhorns this fall is the former converted cornerback and senior safety Anthony Cook.
Last season, Cook took the bulk of his reps at the star/nickel position. But to add depth in the safety room this year, Cook was moved to boundary safety, where his versatility and football IQ should shine through. Cook’s weaknesses in deep pass coverage should also be masked by playing at the boundary safety position.
There is a lot of young talent for the Longhorns at boundary safety behind Cook this fall. Freshman BJ Allen Jr. is a fast riser to watch this season. It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if his upward trajectory continues throughout the fall. Hard-hitting junior DB Mo Blackwell Jr. is also a new addition to this safety room that could make an impact this season.
Star
Starter: Jahdae Barron
Backup: Jaylon Guilbeau
Texas should definitely be set at the star DB position this fall, especially if junior Jahdae Barron can stay healthy throughout the season. Barron was one of the most productive and effective defensive players for the Longhorns last season while taking most of his reps at the cornerback position.
To maximize his capability in covering receivers out of the slot while getting a quick jump closer to the line of scrimmage on run plays, Barron was flipped around to be the starter at the star position.
Next. 3 bold predictions for Texas in September. dark
A potential breakout player to watch at the star position among true freshmen this fall will be the former four-star Memorial cornerback recruit Jaylon Guilbeau. In the wake of the absence of Barron in fall camp due to a lower-body injury, Guilbeau stepped up and proved himself well getting the first-team reps at the star position.