Opinion: Texas should use Chris Adimora in a Budda Baker role

With a new defensive coordinator joining the Longhorns, Chris Adimora could be used in a similar way as Washington’s Budda Baker.

Now that Texas has zeroed in on defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, several questions arise.

One of the most prevalent questions surrounds the scheme that will be used for the Longhorns. Under Todd Orlando in 2019, Texas ran a 3-3-5 formation. In 2020 under Chris Ash, the Longhorns ran a 3-3-5, but it felt more like a 4-2-5 with Joseph Ossai playing a hybrid role on the edge as the ‘Jack.’ With Kwiatkowski, Texas will likely use a 2-4-5 scheme on defense.

During his time at Washington, Kwiatkowski had plenty of playmakers on the back end that would find their way to the NFL: Taylor Rapp, Kevin King, Marcus Peters and Byron Murphy among others. One of the top playmakers was Budda Baker, who was like a Swiss army knife for Kwiatkowski’s defense. Could there be a player that could fit the mold of Baker at Texas?

Budda Baker vs. Chris Adimora Comparison

Comparison Budda Baker (2016) Chris Adimora (2020)
Height 5-10 6-1
Weight 195 214
Games Played 14 9
Tackles 70 41
Tackles For Loss 3.0 1.5
Passes Defended 5 3
Interceptions 2 1

Baker was listed as a defensive back for the Huskies defense. During the 2016 season, he saw time at nickel cornerback, strong safety and free safety. He provided coverage on the back end, come up in run support and blitz when called upon.

Last season, Adimora played the Spur in Chris Ash’s defense. It is a hybrid position that combines the duties of a defensive back and a linebacker. Spurs are used in coverage, but also come up in run support, very similar to what Baker was for the Huskies. However, the role that may suit him best is the Rover.

In that role, the defender must be physical enough to come up in support. In coverage, they will cover tight ends, slot receivers or backs coming out of the backfield. Adimora would be a prime candidate to fill multiple spots on the field.

Budda Baker’s highlights in 2016

https://youtu.be/kpFHmYEzWUc

Chris Adimora Highlights