Texas Football: 4 newcomers bound to breakout in fall camp

Colton Vasek, EDGE

Among the top-rated EDGE recruits the Longhorns signed in the 2023 class was the former Oklahoma Sooners commit and four-star Austin Westlake product Colton Vasek. The 6-foot-5 and 242-pound true freshman edge rusher from Austin got his body right during summer workouts and is primed to push for a spot on the two-deep during fall camp.

Vasek arrived on campus more than 10 pounds lighter than he is coming out of the summer strength and conditioning program, which is a fantastic sign for his trajectory at Texas early in his career. Texas needs a young edge rusher to step up and finally make an impact opposite junior Barryn Sorrell, especially getting after the opposing quarterback.

There is a good chance that Texas will give more reps to pass-rush specialists, given the need for co-DC Pete Kwiatkowski and Co. to drum up an effective pass rush. That favors longer edge rushers with natural pass-rusher tools, such as sophomore Ethan Burke and former Westlake teammate Vasek.

Vasek made positive strides during spring ball, showing he could hold his own as a pass rusher against more experienced and bigger offensive tackles in team drills and scrimmage settings.

If Vasek proves that he is one of the most capable pass rushers on the roster during fall camp, it’ll be difficult for PK and the Longhorns to keep him off the field at the jack position opposite Sorrell.