Projecting Texas football’s 2-deep depth chart vs. Alabama

Linebackers

Jack end

1. Barryn Sorrell

2. Ethan Burke

The biggest emergence on the defensive side of the ball in the opener last weekend for the Longhorns was sophomore edge rusher Barryn Sorrel. The starter at the jack end position is going to have a shot to make another big impact on this defensive front against Young and the vaunted Alabama offense on Sep. 10.

We could also see true freshman edge rusher Ethan Burke get some reps this weekend after showing some flashes throughout fall camp and in the opener.

Buck end

1. Ovie Oghoufo

2. Justice Finkley

A crucial factor for the Texas defensive front in this game will be senior edge rusher Ovie Oghoufo. Texas needs Oghoufo to have his best game as a Longhorn if he is really going to be a positive force. Oghoufo will be asked to do a ton this weekend as his play diagnosis and approaches will need to be top-notch against Alabama.

Sam linebacker

1. DeMarvion Overshown

2. Prince Dorbah

Senior linebacker DeMarvion Overshown could be the best player on this side of the ball. And he’ll need to play like that against Alabama if the Texas defense wants to stand any shot to compete with this team.

Mike linebacker

1. Jaylan Ford

2. Jett Bush

We saw senior middle linebacker Jaylan Ford have a bit of an off-week in the season opener against ULM. Multiple missed tackles and an overall lack of impactful plays told most of the story for Ford in Week 1. He’ll need to start to turn the corner this weekend.

Will linebacker

1. Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey

2. David Gbenda

Graduate transfer and senior linebacker Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey delivered an underrated performance against ULM. He had some good chase-down tackles and lived up to some of the hype we heard about his game coming out of fall camp.

He’ll be backed up for the second straight week at will linebacker by junior David Gbenda.