3 takeaways from Day 1 of Texas spring practice

Andrew Mukuba will be a difference-maker at safety

Texas's defensive backfield has been completely revamped early this offseason with multiple talented new additions via the transfer portal and the high school ranks in the 2024 signing class.

Former Clemson Tigers junior transfer safety and the former elite five-star safety recruit Xavier Filsaime commanded a bunch of attention during the first day of spring practice among the new additions to the secondary this offseason.

Mukuba was taking reps with the ones during the first day of spring practice alongside rising sophomore safety Derek Williams Jr. Horns247 also reported on March 19 that Mukuba "impressed with his footwork" while taking the first-team safety reps in practice alongside Williams.

Sarkisian praised Mukuba for his performance during spring practice and how he's looked early this offseason, saying that "he's wired really well". Mukuba's leadership traits have stood out right away. Sarkisian said that Mukuba is a "great team guy", showing how natural of a culture fit he is in the program.

Some of the other defensive backs who caught the attention of the media during the viewing window on March 19 were sophomore Jelani McDonald and redshirt junior Michael Taaffe. McDonald continues to get bigger and look more impressive physically. He'll be someone to watch in the secondary entering the fall.

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