Defensive Player of the Year – Joseph Ossai
The Longhorns has a poor pass rush last season, struggling to get pressure on quarterbacks all throughout the season. Due to that, they would leave a lot of time for opposing receivers to find a way to get open. It would kill Texas drives and what they were trying to do. In the 2020 season, the pass rush is going to need to take a step up and it all begins with linebacker Joseph Ossai.
Leading the Longhorns in sacks last season, Ossai had five in 13 games. Three of them came in the Alamo Bowl against Utah, as he proved how well the defense can play when pressure is applied to the quarterback. Listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 245 pounds, a mixture of his size and speed off the edge is what makes him a nightmare.
If Ossai can replicate his performance against Utah into the Big 12 next season, he is going to be one of the best pass rushers in the conference. When the defensive line is able to get pressure, it makes every other until in the defense better. Not giving quarterbacks as much time to make plays, opposing teams will not have big yardage plays against the Longhorns. It will all begin with Ossai, who needs to dominate in the trenches.