Texas included in ESPN’s Defensive Line U rankings

Texas makes a surprise appearance high up ESPN’s Defensive Line U rankings.

The Texas football program continues to receive credit for its development at various positions over time. And while some see Texas as a perpetual talent waster, that’s more of a recent struggle for the program.

The Longhorns surprisingly cracked ESPN’s list of top defensive line schools in a recent Defensive Line U ranking. The list put Texas at No. 6 among all programs in pumping out quality linemen.

Brian Orakpo, Tony Brackens and Tim Crowder certainly come to mind when discussing Texas edge rushers in recent seasons. Albeit, its the interior defensive line that kicked off the beginning of former head coach Mack Brown’s dominance. Casey Hampton, Shaun Rodgers and Cory Redding made plenty of noise in their time on the Forty Acres.

Older Longhorns fans will remember former defensive linemen Kenneth Sims, Bill Atessis, Brad Shearer, Tony Denegrate and Scott Appleton among others.

Ahead of Texas is the dominant force of the last 15 seasons, the Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tide’s involvement atop the list is a no-brainer. Several Alabama interior linemen and edge rushers have made a home in the NFL. Florida State, Ohio State and Clemson make up the next three on the list.

It’s no mistake that Alabama, Ohio State and Clemson have seen postseason success given what each team has produced up front. The three teams have dominated the playoff era.

As for Texas, the program needs to make the most of its current front line talent. It all starts on the interior with Byron Murphy, T’Vondre Sweat, Alfred Collins and Trill Carter. The four will look to add to the legacy the Longhorns have at the position.