Nickel
Cami Griffin: Josh Thompson
In my opinion, this role could be filled with numerous players on Texas’ roster. For now, I’ll lean towards Josh Thompson. He would give the Longhorns more coverage opportunities based on how good he looked last season. Outside of Thompson, I’d be comfortable playing Chris Adimora or Darion Dunn here.
Shane Carter: D’Shawn Jamison
His skills and versatility make him arguably the Longhorns best overall defensive back heading into the 2021 season. With Josh Thompson returning, who played nickel most of his career but started to thrive once he was put outside, and the other spot likely coming down to graduate transfer Darion Dunn or sophomore Kitan Crawford, Jamison is likely going to play multiple roles.
He’s a bit undersized at 5-foot-10, 185-pounds, but Jamison has the range and coverage ability that makes him valuable, especially in the Big 12 where offenses are incorporating more and more three receiver looks. Ultimately, Jamison won’t just play the nickel position, but he may be the best option that they’ve got there.
Griffin McVeigh: Darion Dunn
With how versatile Dunn is, I think he will be best suited to play the nickel position. Last season, Tom Herman and Chris Ash played Chris Adimora in the role, making it more of a safety/linebacker hybrid. Getting a player in there like Dunn in there will make it a true cover position for Pete Kwiatkowski’s offense. Josh Thompson would be a solid candidate as well, letting a younger corner such as Kitan Crawford play on the outside.