Over the first couple weeks of Texas Spring practice, quite a few things have taken the media by surprise. First, it was how incredibly well K.J. Lacey has been performing as the starting quarterback with Arch Manning out. Next, it was how well Jaydon Chatman and Brandon Baker have transitioned to guard, with Chatman working as the full-time starter at LG and Baker at RG.
Finally, it's the simple fact that someone who the media thought would be a part-time, subpackage-level player for Will Muschamp's defense in 2026 has come in and completely taken over the MIKE linebacker spot for Texas.
That player is Florida State transfer Justin Cryer.
BREAKING: Florida State LB Justin Cryer has committed to Texas, @Hayesfawcett3 reports🤘https://t.co/0ATaIq6cho pic.twitter.com/4jl6MJ1L1a
— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal) January 10, 2026
Heading into the Spring, it was assumed that the starting linebackers would be Rasheem Biles, Ty'Anthony Smith, and Brad Spence, with Cryer and true freshman Tyler Atkinson rotating in based on different down and distance scenarios.
The original thought was that Justin Cryer would come in on short-yardage situations and obvious run downs due to his size and "thumping" play style.
In reality, the starting linebackers in practice have been Biles at WILL, Spence at SAM, and Cryer at MIKE. This is honestly one of the most surprising pieces of information to come out of Spring so far, as Cryer wasn't talked about at all leading up to the start of practice.
It sounds like he's improved his processing skills, being able to read and react quicker than he did at Florida State. It's still early, and we're not in full-contact practices yet, but it sounds like new DC Will Muschamp went out and handpicked Cryer in the transfer portal for a reason. Looking back on it, it was kind of silly to act like Cryer wouldn't be used much in 2026, as Muschamp has always valued bigger athletes at MIKE throughout his coaching tenure.