Longhorns Profile Snapshot: No. 78 Denzel Okafor

LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster. Today, we will be looking at senior RG Denzel Okafor.

[jwplayer 8tTntXQu]

Going into the 2020 football season, LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster.

Over the summer, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Tom Herman this season.

Today, we will be looking at senior right guard Denzel Okafor.

Denzel Okafor, Right guard

Height: 6-4 / Weight: 317

Class: Redshirt Senior

Hometown: Lewisville, Texas

High School: Lewisville

HS ranking (247Sports): Four-star / No. 243 overall / No. 12 position / No. 36 in-state

HS ranking (Rivals): Four-star / No. 244 overall / No. 14 position / No. 34 in-state

Analysis: Going into his fifth season with the program, Denzel Okafor is going to be the oldest member of the offensive line. Part of the 2016 recruiting class, Okafor was a Charlie Strong recruit.

Redshirting during his junior year, Okafor returned in 2019 and appeared in all 13 games. He made one start throughout the year against Iowa State. The redshirt senior has five career starts going into this season.

Head coach Tom Herman said he feels “better today than ever” about Okafor taking over as the starting right guard. Playing guard and tackle during his time in Austin, Okafor will now be apart of an interior offensive line that must improve in 2020.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Longhorns Profile Snapshot: No. 14 Dajon Harrison

LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the UT roster. Today, we will be looking at freshmen WR Dajon Harrison.

Going into the 2020 football season, LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster.

Over the summer, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Tom Herman this season.

Today, we will be looking at freshmen wide receiver Dajon Harrison.

Dajon Harrison, Wide receiver

Height: 5-10 / Weight: 170

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Hutto, Texas

High School: Hutto

HS ranking (247Sports): Three-star / No. 133 position / No. 112 in-state

HS ranking (Rivals): Three-star / No. 76 in-state

Analysis: Dajon Harrison was one of Texas’ two wide receivers in the 2020 recruiting class. A three-star prospect on the 247Sports composite, Harrison is going to prove to be a productive player out of the slot for the Longhorns.

Listed at 5-10 and 170 pounds, the wide receiver ran track in high school, displaying the type of speed he can bring to the football field. Playing Texas high school football at the 5A level for Hutto, Harrison 969 total yards and 10 touchdowns his senior season.

Jake Smith and Jordan Whittington will occupy most of the snaps from the slot this season but when Harrison gets his shot, he will make the most of it. Having speed on the inside is never a bad thing, especially in Mike Yurcich’s offense.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Longhorns Profile Snapshot: No. 3 Ja’Quinden Jackson

LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the UT roster. Today, we will be looking at fresh. QB Ja’Quinden Jackson.

Going into the 2020 football season, LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster.

Over the summer, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Tom Herman this season.

Today, we will be looking at freshman quarterback Ja’Quinden Jackson.

Ja’Quinden Jackson, Quarterback

Ja'Quinden Jackson Duncanville Texas Longhorns
(Mike Craven / HookEm.com / USA TODAY Network)

Height: 6-2 / Weight: 232

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

High School: Duncanville

HS ranking (247Sports): Four-star / No. 46 overall / No. 3 position / No. 7 in-state

HS ranking (Rivals): Four-star / No. 180 overall / No. 5 position / No. 26 in-state

Analysis: Ja’Quinden Jackson comes out of Duncanville High School, one of the best football programs in the country. The No. 3 overall dual-threat quarterback in the 2020 class, Jackson will have his chance at the starting quarterback job next season.

For now, Jackson is still dealing with a partially torn ACL he suffered in December. The freshman recovered throughout the summer and prolonged break and has been back out on the practice field. For now, he stands as the team’s fourth-string quarterback.

A threat in the passing game and the running game, Jackson ran for 1,030 yards and 16 touchdowns his senior year. He took Duncanville all the way to the state semi-final game before suffering his injury. Once he is back to 100% healthy, it will be hard to count him out in next season’s quarterback competition.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Longhorns Profile Snapshot: No. 68 Derek Kerstetter

LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster. Today, we will be looking at senior C Derek Kerstetter.

Going into the 2020 football season, LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster.

Heading into the season each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Tom Herman this season.

Today, we will be looking at senior center Derek Kerstetter.

Derek Kerstetter, Center

Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-5 / Weight: 293

Class: Senior

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

High School: Reagan

HS ranking (247Sports): Three-star / No. 27 position / No. 52 in-state

HS ranking (Rivals): Three-star / No. 45 position / No. 59 in-state

Analysis: Derek Kerstetter played right tackle for the Longhorns last season, forming an outstanding duo with left tackle Samuel Cosmi. Now, the senior will be moving to the interior offensive line, playing center.

Coming out of high school, Kerstetter was just a three-star prospect and outside the top 50 in the state of Texas. Offensive line coach Herb Hand has done an excellent job in turning Kerstetter into a good offensive lineman to one of the best in the Big 12.

Zach Shackelford was a leader of the football team last season from the center position. Kerstetter will have major shoes to fill, having to keep Texas’ offensive line at an elite level. They will be protecting quarterback Sam Ehlinger, the most important player on the offense.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Longhorns Profile Snapshot: No. 65 Jake Majors

LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster. Today, we will be looking at freshman OC Jake Majors.

Going into the 2020 football season, LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster.

Over the summer, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Tom Herman this season.

Today, we will be looking at freshman center Jake Majors.

Jake Majors, Center

Height: 6-3 / Weight: 298

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Prosper, Texas

High School: Prosper

HS ranking (247Sports): Three-star / No. 15 position / No. 84 in-state

HS ranking (Rivals): Four-star / No. 155 overall / No. 5 position / No. 20 in-state

Analysis: Jake Majors was another huge in-state recruit Tom Herman pulled in the 2020 class. Playing tackle in high school, Majors has the capability to play anywhere across the offensive line. Center or guard is a likely option for the freshman.

The offensive line was not a huge focus in 2020 but Herb Hand still found a way to pull a top-five player at his position to Austin. Majors was the highest of four offensive linemen in the class.

Majors will not be inline to start this season, with Texas’ offensive line mostly returning from the 2019 season. Thanks to his size, the former four-star recruit is going to be able to play multiple positions in the future.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Longhorns Profile Snapshot: No. 55 Willie Tyler

LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster. Today, we will be looking at RS Soph OL Willie Tyler.

Going into the 2020 football season, LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster.

Over the summer, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Tom Herman this season.

Today, we will be looking at redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Willie Tyler.

Willie Tyler, Offensive Line

Height: 6-7 / Weight: 335

Class: Redshirt sophomore

Hometown: Racine, Wisconsin

High School: Racine Lutheran

JUCO ranking (247Sports): Three-star / No. 143 overall / No. 21 position / No. 10 in-state

HS ranking (Rivals): Three-star

Analysis: Willie Tyler is a junior college transfer from Iowa Western Community College. Listed as an offensive tackle by 247sports, Tyler transferred to Texas over Louisiana Tech, Miami, SMU, and West Virginia.

In high school, Tyler spent most of his time playing defensive line and occasionally played offensive line. Once he got to Iowa Western, he transitioned to a full-time tackle, thanks to his 6-7 335 pound frame.

Tyler is the only person on the Texas roster from the state of Wisconsin. After redshirting his sophomore season, it is difficult to see the tackle getting playing time in 2020. Another project for offensive line coach Herb Hand, Tyler could see playing time as an upperclassman.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Longhorns Profile Snapshot: No. 52 Samuel Cosmi

LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster. Today, we will be looking at RS JR tackle Samuel Cosmi.

Going into the 2020 football season, LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster.

Over the summer, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Tom Herman this season.

Today, we will be looking at redshirt junior tackle Samuel Cosmi.

Samuel Cosmi, Left Tackle

Height: 6-7 / Weight: 309

Class: Redshirt junior

Hometown: Humble, Texas

High School: Atascocita

HS ranking (247Sports): Three-star / No. 135 position / No. 195 in-state

HS ranking (Rivals): Three-star

Analysis: Besides Sam Ehlinger, Samuel Cosmi is Texas’ most important offensive player, protecting the quarterback’s blindside. The left tackle had a breakout 2019 season, finishing second-team All-Big 12.

This upcoming season is going to be even bigger for Cosmi, as he is expected to be a first-round draft pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Only a three-star prospect coming out of high school, Herb Hand has done an outstanding job turning Cosmi into a top player in the country.

In 27 career games, Cosmi has started in 26 of them. According to PFF, the tackle has only given up four sacks in 1,162 passing block snaps. Cosmi is essential to Texas’ offensive flow, making sure Ehlinger can display his talents in the passing game.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Longhorns Profile Snapshot: No. 50 Byron Vaughns

LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster. Today, we will be looking at soph. Jack Byron Vaughuns.

Going into the 2020 football season, LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster.

Over the summer, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Tom Herman this season.

Today, we will be looking at sophomore Jack Byron Vaughuns.

Bryon Vaughns, Jack

Height: 6-4 / Weight: 225

Class: Sophomore

Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas

High School: Eastern Hills

HS ranking (247Sports): Three-star / No. 31 position / No. 55 in-state

Analysis: A new position in Chris Ash’s defense, the Jack position could change Texas’ defensive line struggles. Joseph Ossai is the no-doubt starter but his backup will be sophomore Byron Vaughns.

Coming out of Fort Worth, Texas, Vaughns played in the final 10 regular-season games. He had 14 tackles throughout the year and 10 of them were solo tackles. Unfortunately, Vaughns did not get to participate in the bowl game against Utah as he was sent home.

The defensive line was the downfall of the Longhorns’ defense last season. With Chris Ash implementing the Jack position, the pass rush will significantly improve. When Ossai is on the sidelines getting a rest, Vaughns will have to fulfill a key position for Texas.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Longhorns Profile Snapshot: No. 49 Ta’Quon Graham

LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster. Today, we will be looking at senior DE Ta’Quon Graham.

Going into the 2020 football season, LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster.

Over the summer, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Tom Herman this season.

Today, we will be looking at senior defensive end Ta’Quon Graham.

Ta’Quon Graham, Defensive end

Height: 6-4 / Weight: 294

Class: Senior

Hometown: Temple, Texas

High School: Temple

HS ranking (247Sports): Four-star / No. 214 overall / No. 15 position / No. 29 in-state

HS ranking (Rivals): Three-star / No. 22 position / No. 56 in-state

Analysis: A member of Tom Herman’s first recruiting class in 2017, Ta’Quon Graham was the top defensive player in the class. Rated a four-star on the 247Sports composite, the defensive end has been a key member of the Texas defense the past two seasons.

Graham started in all 13 games last season on a defensive line that struggled. He finished with 31 tackles, 12 which for a loss, and 3.5 sacks. He finished second on the team in sacks, only behind Joseph Ossai.

Now, Graham is going to be the player who determines how much improvement the defensive line sees. Ossai is going to be consistent from the Jack position. If Graham can creep closer to double-digit sacks, the Longhorns will have a top defensive line in the Big 12.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Longhorns Profile Snapshot: No. 46 Joesph Ossai

LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster. Today, we will be looking at junior Jack Joseph Ossai.

Going into the 2020 football season, LonghornsWire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas roster.

Over the summer, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Tom Herman this season.

Today, we will be looking at junior Jack Joseph Ossai.

Joseph Ossai, Jack

(Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Height: 6-4 / Weight: 253

Class: Junior

Hometown: Conroe, Texas

High School: Oak Ridge

HS ranking (247Sports): Four-star / No. 191 overall / No. 12 position / No. 18 in-state

HS ranking (Rivals): Four-star / No. 14 position / No. 31 in-state

Analysis: In 2019, Joesph Ossai led Texas in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. All of this was while he was playing outside linebacker. After the hiring of Chris Ash in the offseason, Ossai will be switching to the Jack position and will be primarily rushing the passer.

Ossai showed a glimpse of what was to come next season in the Alamo Bowl win against Utah. He recorded nine tackles, six which were for a loss, and added three sacks, a season-high. On most plays, the sophomore was in the backfield causing havoc.

If the Utah game translates into a full season, Texas’ pass rush could become one of the best in the Big 12. Ash has a history working with great pass rushers during his times at Ohio State and Wisconsin. If he can continue to develop Ossai, the Jack will trend towards a first-round pick in the NFL Draft.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]