Joseph Ossai’s emergence was one of the most encouraging aspects of Texas’ 2020 season. The former linebacker transitioned into a hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end role called the Jack and produced 5.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for a loss.
With Ossai off to the NFL, the position was going to have a question mark surrounding it going into the season. Especially with Pete Kwiatkowski’s defensive scheme. At times, a Jack and an X, which have similar roles, can both be on the field. The Longhorns lacked depth at the position but may have brought in another player to fix the issue.
According to Inside Texas, Ben Davis has transferred to Texas and joined Steve Sarkisian’s roster. A former five-star recruit, Davis joins LSU‘s Ray Thornton and Notre Dame‘s Ovie Oghoufo as new additions at the Jack position.
Davis spent five years in Tuscaloosa, redshirting his freshman year in 2016. He appeared in 23 games and recorded eight tackles, one sack, and one pass breakup. Here is Inside Texas’ breakdown of Davis:
Over the weekend, Steve Sarkisian’s staff added yet another outside linebacker transfer to the roster. This time it was a former 5-star recruit, Alabama “Jack” linebacker Ben Davis, a 6-foot-4, 250-pounder. Davis never cracked the top of the depth chart in Tuscaloosa but was solid for the Tide in mop-up duty as a boundary 9-technique who could rush the edge, stunt, or drop into coverage.
OrangeBloods reported back in February that Davis was “taking his time” with his transfer decision. Over a dozen schools have shown interest in him since entering the portal on Feb. 15.
Per a conversation with @AnwarRichardson this morning, Alabama senior linebacker Ben Davis (Class of 2016) is taking his time in his re-recruitment process. Plans to have a top 5 in March. Taking his time.
Texas is among about a dozen schools that are showing interest.
— Geoff Ketchum (@gkketch) February 28, 2021
Stay tuned for more updates.