3 most improved Texas players after first 5 games

Michael Taaffe, S

Despite having a tough start in the first half against Mississippi State in the SEC opener last weekend, junior safety Michael Taaffe has been really tremendous for Texas's defense. Taaffe has taken on the role of being one of the important communicators in the back end of the Longhorns' defense in the secondary this season.

Taaffe was named one of the defensive players of the week for Texas after the season opener win on Aug. 31 against Colorado State.

His experience and football IQ have been crucial to helping Texas defend the pass and contest space with the opposing team's ball carrier when they're out in space after the catch or running the ball. Taaffe knows where to be, and he's played a really physical brand of football this season to lay some hard hits on the opposing team's skill guys in pass coverage and defending the run.

Not only is Taaffe a much more physical safety than he showed last season for Texas's defense, but he's also making more crucial plays in pass coverage. He had a huge pass breakup late in the first half that kept Texas's lead in tact on a deep ball targeted his way in coverage last weekend against Mississippi State.

Taaffe's physicality, football IQ, and live-game experience playing multiple years in this defensive scheme for the Longhorns under Pete Kwiatkowski since 2022 has helped Texas turn around their play at safety this fall. Senior Andrew Mukuba and Taaffe have been huge staples to Texas's secondary this season, and this duo is a big reason why the Longhorns are performing well in pass defense entering the bye week.

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