3 reasons Texas's secondary will be much better in 2024

Greater depth and versatility at multiple positions

The theme of added depth and talent at multiple position groups in Texas's cornerback and safety rooms could be true for all spots in the secondary entering fall camp. I would be remiss if I didn't talk about the position group that could realistically be considered the deepest and most talented in the entire secondary for the Longhorns this fall at nickel.

Perhaps Texas's most versatile and stickiest defensive back in pass coverage, senior Jahdae Barron, leads the nickel position that goes three or four deep since the spring in camp. Texas is so deep at nickel that junior Jaylon Guilbeau was able to push UT's most experienced starter in the secondary for starting reps back in the spring after Barron's return for his fifth year in college.

Guilbeau has always been on the cusp of earning a consistent starting role at Texas entering each season he's been on the Forty Acres since 2022. But a combination of injuries and limited practice reps in the last couple of years has halted Guilbeau's progress up the depth chart in the secondary for Texas.

Cross training at multiple positions in the secondary has always been a major point of emphasis for head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Texas defensive staff. Texas likes to recruit those versatile defensive backs out of high school who can be cross trained at multiple positions at camp in college.

Barron's versatility and experience to play multiple positions in the secondary embodies what the Longhorns are looking for defensive backs who bring multiplicity and range to the table.

That multiplicity and cross-training among the top guys on the secondary two-deep for the Longhorns gives the staff the ability to make up for lost depth if and when injuries start to pile up in-season in conference play.

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