3 Texas football players ready to breakout in Red River vs. OU

DeMarvion Overshown, LB

Among the most important defensive players for the Longhorns in this game will be senior linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. Technically playing in the fifth Red River Rivalry game of his career to date, Overhsown has plenty of experience that he brings to the table this weekend.

He will be a crucial factor for this defense both in terms of his impact on the pass rush and his ability to stop the run.

In the last few weeks, Overshown is starting to be a more effective pass rusher when he is called upon on delayed blitzes and a few rushes off the edge. I would like to see him utilized more in blitz packages off the edge, though, to mix up the looks.

In the last two games, Overshown has registered six quarterback pressures, one QB hit, and 1.5 sacks. He’s starting to break through in a big way as a pass rusher. And if Oklahoma is missing redshirt junior quarterback Dillon Gabriel in this game, I would imagine that Overshown could take advantage of getting after the slower Davis Beville.

Moreover, the most proficient part of Overshown’s game so far this season was his production in run defense. So far this season, Overshown has posted the best grade in run defense of his career. In fact, he’s more than doubled his grade in run defense this year compared to last. He currently ranks second on the team in terms of his run defense grade behind only sophomore nose tackle Byron Murphy.

Overshown should be in line to have another impactful game on the Texas run defense.

Last but not least, the area where I would really like to see Overshown breakout is in pass coverage. Overshown is having one of the slower starts of his career to any season in terms of his production in pass coverage assignments. He’s already allowed nearly 100 receiving yards on nine catches, with more than 40 yards after the catch.

It is on both Overshown and PK to get things right in pass coverage. Overshown needs to pick up his assignment quicker off the snap. And PK needs to put Overshown in more situations where he’s got other linebacker or safety help between the numbers so that he’s not on an island.

All told, I do believe that Overshown is in for a big game this weekend. It would be great to see him put it together in all phases of the game for the first time this season, including run defense, rushing the passer, and pass coverage.