The Texas Longhorns will have a new man at center this season with the loss of Zach Shackelford heading to the NFL. Derek Kerstetter spent his first three seasons at right tackle. He has started 28 games and played in a total of 37. He will now move to the center for his final year on the Forty Acres. The position change couldn’t have come at a worse time due to the pandemic. He hasn’t been able to get time in with Sam Ehlinger as they work on the snap exchanges.
Recently Pro Football Focus released their pass blocking grades for returning offensive lineman with Kerstetter at the top of the list.
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The Longhorns new center comes in just ahead of Penei Sewell who is viewed as the best offensive lineman in college football and a top five draft lock for the 2021 NFL Draft. Kerstetter could find his way into some NFL Draft conversations Along with Samuel Cosmi, Texas has a solid duo of lineman who could make their way to the NFL through the draft. Cosmi is viewed as a first round draft pick. They hype surrounding Kerstetter isn’t there yet but a strong season could change all of that.
The duo of Kerstetter and Cosmi give the Longhorns the only returning duo in the power five conferences with passing grades of 85 or higher. This duo should give the Longhorns offense confidence to allow Sam Ehlinger to attack defenses in the air with two guys who are the best at protecting the quarterback.