Texas Football: 4 players that will make or break Longhorns 2023 season

Jaylan Ford, LB

The most pleasant surprise for the Texas defense last season was the play of the deserved Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, standout linebacker Jaylan Ford. The senior and 2023 preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year has a chip on his shoulder to bring home those honors this season.

Ford has emerged this offseason as the true leader of the Texas defense. After emerging as Texas’ biggest playmaker on defense last season, registering four interceptions and three forced fumbles, Ford is bound to prove himself as an All-American performer this fall.

This season will be a big test for Ford, who will be lining up next to a couple of new starting linebackers upon the departures of seniors DeMarvion Overshown and Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey. Ford’s partners at linebacker will likely be true freshman and hybrid edge rusher Anthony Hill Jr. and redshirt senior David Gbenda.

It sounds like Ford has taken the right attitude to lead the defense, with some new starters lining up next to him at the linebacker position. He’s set the tone for the linebackers in practice and the weight room throughout the offseason, helping mentor true freshmen like Hill and Liona Lefau.

If Ford performs at or above the level he played at linebacker last season, Texas’ defense will be one of the best units on this side of the ball in the Big 12.