Texas Football: 3 transfers set to be stars for Longhorns in 2023

Jalen Catalon, S

As long as he can stay healthy, the most impactful transfer addition on defense for the Longhorns will be the former Arkansas Razorbacks All-SEC senior safety Jalen Catalon. The 5-foot-10 and 202-pound Catalon was tremendous for the Razorbacks when healthy the last few seasons.

Catalon garnered Freshman All-American and All-SEC First-Team honors as a redshirt freshman in 2020 when he registered nearly 100 total tackles, three interceptions, four pass breakups, and two forced fumbles in 10 games.

And despite playing just a half-dozen games for Arkansas the following season, Catalon still garnered All-SEC honors in 2021. I’m mentioning all these stats and accolades for Catalon in the last few years to show that he is already a proven stud when he’s not dealing with nagging injury issues.

TFB Texas reported on July 14 (donor content) that Catalon is expected to be “fully ready to roll” for the start of fall camp this year. It will be huge for the Longhorns to get a healthy Catalon involved as a full participant in fall camp since he was limited throughout spring ball.

A healthy Catalon this fall would take Texas’ secondary to new heights as potentially the best group in the Big 12 if not one of the best in the Power Five. His playmaking, ranginess, leadership, and proven experience will be invaluable at the boundary safety position this fall.