Texas Football: Projected 2023 defensive 2-deep upon Jaylan Ford’s return
Defensive back
The strongest position group for the Texas defense could lie in the secondary in 2023. There is a ton of returning experience along with some intriguing additions both at safety and cornerback for the 2023 campaign.
Field CB
Starter: Terrance Brooks, Sophomore
Backup: Gavin Holmes, Junior OR Malik Muhammad, Freshman
The departure of Jamison at field corner could make for an open competition between three cornerbacks in 2023. Rising sophomore Terrance Brooks was solid down the stretch for the Longhorns in 2022. The former Wake Forest Demon Deacons redshirt sophomore transfer Gavin Holmes and incoming freshman Malik Muhammad could also compete for starting reps at the field spot.
Boundary CB
Starter: Ryan Watts, Junior
Backup: Austin Jordan, Sophomore
Boundary cornerback will be solidified in the two-deep heading into spring ball upon the return of redshirt junior Ryan Watts and rising sophomore Austin Jordan. Watts was a pleasant surprise for the Texas secondary last season.
Jordan received 88 defensive snaps during his true freshman campaign in 2022, which largely came in relief of Watts when he dealt with a few injury issues at different points last season.
Field safety
Starter: Jerrin Thompson, Senior
Backup: Kitan Crawford, Senior
The starting spot at field safety should be locked down by rising senior Jerrin Thompson. The fourth-year safety Thompson had the best and most consistent season of his collegiate career to date in 2022.
Behind Thompson at field safety will likely be rising senior Kitan Crawford. But watch out for sophomore BJ Allen Jr. to compete for a spot on the two-deep at the field spot in camp.
Boundary safety
Starter: Jalen Catalon, Senior
Backup: Michael Taaffe, Sophomore OR Derek Williams, Freshman
The most exciting new addition to the secondary by way of the transfer portal is the former Arkansas Razorbacks redshirt junior safety Jalen Catalon. Texas landed a commitment out of the portal from Catalon last week. If he can stay healthy this coming season, he should be the starter at boundary safety to replace the departing senior Anthony Cook.
The backup job at boundary safety will likely be an open competition potentially between former walk-on Michael Taaffe, freshman five-star recruit Derek Williams, and maybe even Crawford. I think Crawford will try to fight and claw to get a spot on the two-deep either at boundary or field safety in 2023.
Next. 3 biggest visits for Texas this weekend. dark
Nickel
Starter: Jahdae Barron, Senior
Backup: Jaylon Guilbeau, Sophomore
Nickel/spur will have some familiar faces returning to the Forty Acres in 2023. Rising senior defensive back Jahdae Barron should have a firm grip on the starting spot at nickel, followed up by rising sophomore Jaylon Guilbeau. Other DBs on the roster this year such as Williams and Brooks could also end up taking reps at nickel depending on how other position battles in the secondary play out in camp.