Texas Football: 4 biggest disappointments for Longhorns from first half

Jaylon Guilbeau, DB

Like Jordan, sophomore defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau hasn’t received a ton of live-game snaps at nickel in the first half of the regular season. Guilbeau has taken 38 defensive snaps throughout four games this season.

Given the recent struggles in the secondary in the last few games for the Longhorns, I think a talented and young defensive back who can play at multiple positions like Guilbeau should be getting more looks in live-game action. Guilbeau can play at corner and nickel for the Longhorns as he excels in pass coverage and contesting space.

Guilbeau showed flashes of becoming a force to be reckoned with at nickel last season. There was even a point when Guilbeau pushed Barron for reps at the star position in camp last year.

Unfortunately, though, a lower-body injury ended Guilbeau’s true freshman campaign after Week 8 of the 2022 season. It took Guilbeau a while to get back to 100 percent last offseason. But he has moved well in practice and his limited snaps in live-game action in the first half of the regular season.

The snaps Guilbeau has taken for the Longhorns in live-game action this season have mostly resulted in positive outcomes. Guilbeau has three combined tackles, one defensive stop, and no missed tackles this season. He also hasn’t given up any catches on two targets in pass coverage.

If Texas continues to struggle to find answers in the secondary, especially if injuries keep piling up in the second half of the regular season, Guilbeau should get more of a shot to make an impact on the defensive backfield in the remaining games of the 2023 campaign.