Joseph Ossai leads defensive keys for Longhorns against Kansas State

These three defensive players will be paramount for the Texas Longhorns to leave Manhattan with a victory on Saturday.

Safety B.J. Foster

Tim Warner/Getty Images

The season has done a complete 360 for safety B.J. Foster. Earlier in the season it appeared that he quit the team over playing time. He would return to the team after head coach Tom Herman stated they would handle his punishment in house. On the latest depth chart, Foster was listed as the starter opposite of Chris Brown.

Foster will replace the second leading tackler on the team in Caden Sterns who joined Samuel Cosmi and Keaontay Ingram as opt outs this week. Foster has an opportunity to provide some playmaking ability on the back end. Can Foster create some turnover opportunities that this team has been lacking in recent weeks?

Over the last four games, Will Howard has thrown seven of his eight interceptions this year. Provided they can coax him into some mistakes, Foster could be in a prime position to take advantage of him. Foster has two career interceptions and nine passes defended in three seasons as a backup.