Colton Vasek, EDGE
This is my pick for a potential sleeper to break out among the freshmen for the Longhorns against Ohio State in the semis in two days. Redshirt freshman edge rusher Colton Vasek has made an impact on Texas's defensive front when he's gotten the chance late in games and garbage time for the Longhorns.
Vasek has registered six combined tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and six quarterback pressures.
Texas's depth in the EDGE rotation has limited the opportunities for Vasek for the defensive front seven to get more snaps in live-game action this fall. Vasek has taken more reps on the special teams unit in coverage in the past couple of months, including recently against Clemson in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
True freshman edge rusher Colin Simmons, redshirt junior Trey Moore, and senior Barryn Sorrell have been awesome for the Longhorns this season, especially in the College Football Playoff. Junior edge rusher Ethan Burke, Vasek's teammate at Austin (TX) Westlake High School with one of the top tandems coming off the EDGE, was also impactful in Texas's two Playoff wins, registering multiple tackles for loss, five quarterback pressures, and one sack.
If Vasek gets the opportunity to get additional reps off the EDGE or on special teams with the coverage units against Ohio State, his length and pass-rushing ability gives him the chance to contribute and disrupt the Buckeyes' offense defending the run and getting after quarterback Will Howard in the pocket.