While Texas benefits from returning many starters on both sides of the ball, the handful of players they did lose were crucial in multiple aspects.
Running backs Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson were both vocal leaders for the offense and team last season, while also being two of the best players on the entire roster. Same with linebacker DeMarvion Overshown who is also off the NFL, and to a lesser degree in terms of impact defensive linemen Moro Ojomo and Keondre Coburn.
While linebacker will be locked down by Jaylan Ford, the defensive line will be relying on Byron Murphy in a major way in 2023. Something he discussed in a recent interview with On3 when asked about players who have stepped up as leaders.
“Me, of course,” Murphy said. “I’m trying to be more vocal. Last year, I wasn’t. But this year, I’m trying to be more vocal. I’ve got a bigger role obviously this year.”
Murphy, along with T’Vondre Sweat and Minnesota transfer Trill Carter, will be in charge of clogging the rushing lanes and collapsing the pocket on the quarterbacks. Last season, Murphy recorded 26 tackles with three tackles for loss and one sack.
He is confident that he and the team are aware of what it takes to win now, which is something Texas fans have been dying to see.
“I feel like we, as a team, all understand Sark’s philosophy,” Murphy said. “We get it now. We know what it takes. We know what it takes to win. The past few seasons, we’ve been through a lot of stuff. We know what it takes. We know what he wants from us. Now we’ve got to deliver it.”
The Longhorns are the favorites to win the Big 12 this season and also are viewed as a potential College Football Playoff contender.