Tag: Vernon Broughton

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 76, Texas DT Vernon Broughton

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Texas defensive lineman Vernon Broughton.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.

Disappointing. That would be the word best used to describe the play of Green Bay’s defensive line this past season under first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. It was so disappointing that they gave defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich his walking papers and replaced him with DeMarcus Covington, who served as the New England Patriots defensive coordinator this past season.

It will be up to Covington to see if he can get the production to catch up to the potential of a group that has four former first-round picks. 

It’s a group that will remain largely intact, except for TJ Slaton, who is set to hit the open market.

A player who could be on Green Bay’s radar as they look to add more talent to the mix is Vernon Broughton. The Texas defensive tackle checks in at No. 76 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

During his first three seasons on campus, Broughton recorded three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. In 2024, Broughton recorded five tackles for loss and one sack, while playing behind T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy

This past season, Broughton recorded 39 tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks, and forced two fumbles. 

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“Broughton was one of the biggest surprises from the Texas defense,” Joey Hickey, a contributing writer for Athlon Sports said. “After Texas lost T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy to the NFL, many expected the Texas interior to be a weakness. Broughton played a huge role in Texas having the fourth most sacks in the nation.”

Broughton is an active interior presence and has an ideal frame. He gets upfield quickly and is a violent pass rusher, with the power to bench-press offensive linemen off of him. He shows good closing burst to the quarterback and finished this past season with 32 pressures. 

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“Broughton is bruising, physical and technical as a pass rusher,” Hickey said. “He had talent out of high school as one of the best defensive recruits from the Tom Herman era at Texas. He has the technique of a veteran player with several years of college coaching.”

Broughton does a good job of getting off blocks and disrupting the action in the backfield. He uses his hands well and has a radar for the football. The Texas defensive tackle has the lateral quickness to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage. He has a strong trunk and can be hard to move off his spot. According to Pro Football Focus he finished this past season with 26 run stops. 

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“Run defense has perhaps been Broughton’s biggest area of improvement,” Hickey said. “He isn’t necessarily elite in run stuffing but can hold his own in the trenches.”

Fit with the Packers

Adding a player like Broughton to the mix could provide Green Bay’s interior pass rush with a much-needed shot in the arm. Devonte Wyatt, Kenny Clark, Karl Brooks and Slaton combined for 10 sacks this past season, with five of them coming from Wyatt.

Broughton would slot into the rotation and help Green Bay’s run defense continue its upward trajectory while helping Green Bay’s pass rush become a more consistent force.

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“With Broughton, you’re getting a well-developed player,” Hickey said. “He comes from a culture of competition in the defensive tackle room. There’s a pattern of several Longhorns defensive linemen who didn’t transfer, competed and made the most of their opportunity when they got it. Keondre Coburn, T’Vondre Sweat and Alfred Collins all broke out as “super seniors” which speaks to their ability to face adversity and make the most of it. Broughton could also make an immediate impact perhaps faster than other rookies because he’s older and perhaps stronger.”

Two Longhorns defensive lineman declare for the NFL Draft

Over the last few days, the Texas Longhorns have seen some of their key players move onto the next stop of their football journey by declaring for the NFL Draft

Over the last few days, the Texas Longhorns have seen some of their key players move onto the next stop of their football journey by declaring for the NFL Draft. That list now includes Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton. The talented duo should draw plenty of interest after impressive runs with Texas.

In 63 games as a Longhorn, Collins was a key piece, recording 142 tackles and 7.5 sacks. He also forced two fumbles and picked off one pass. While Collins is not a turnover machine, he is coming off the best season of his career. During the 2024 campaign, the Cedar Creek High School product set a career-high in tackles with 55.

As Collins frustrated offensive coordinators, he got some help from Broughton. During his college career, the Houston native recorded 69 total tackles and four sacks. He will enter the draft following the best season of his career, in which he set career highs in sacks, total tackles, and fumbles recovered.

Although Collins and Broughton are moving on, they leave a memorable legacy in Austin. They both improved each year and will not be easy players for the Longhorns to replace. Due to their ability to disrupt offenses, they will be intriguing prospects to watch during the draft process.

Although the Longhorns may need a bridge year to replace Collins and Broughton, they have exciting prospects waiting in the wings. The next wave of talent includes Justus Terry, Myron Charles, and Josiah Sharma.

While fans watch their growth, they will also be cheering for Collins and Broughton, who have bright futures in the NFL.

Texas draft prospects for Packers fans to watch during College Football Playoff

Draft prospects from Texas for Packers fans to watch during the College Football Playoff.

The Texas Longhorns had 11 players drafted during the 2024 NFL Draft. They could match or even exceed that number during the 2025 draft. Let’s look at eight players who could be targets for the Green Bay Packers.

Alred Collins, DT

A former five-star recruit, Collins looks every bit the part of a future wrecking ball. Collins plays with some raw power and walks blockers back into the quarterback’s lap. He has the range to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage and his motor is always running. 

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Barryn Sorrell, Edge

Sorrell checks the boxes with his frame and athleticism. As a run defender, he snatches and tosses and sets a hard edge. According to Pro Football Focus, Sorrell has recorded 21 run stops this season. The Texas edge rusher enters the matchup against Clemson with nine tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 39 pressures. 

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Jahdae Barron, DB

A year ago Barron was one of the best slot defenders in the country. This season he’s shown that he can survive on the boundary. Barron led the SEC in interceptions (5) and recorded nine pass deflections. He has the drive explosion to arrive before the pigskin and has wide receiver-like ball skills. He’s a physical downfield defender and stays balanced as a tackler. 

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Jake Majors, C

Majors enters the matchup against Clemson with 54 career starts at center for the Longhorns. Majors has heightened awareness and understands protections. Over the past two seasons, Majors has given up zero sacks and 20 pressures.  

Trey Moore, Edge

At 245 pounds, Moore could be too light for Green Bay’s liking. Moore can easily add five pounds without losing his explosive first step. The UTSA transfer has recorded 3.5 sacks and 26 pressures. 

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Vernon Broughton, DT

At 6-5, 306 pounds, Broughton has an ideal NFL frame. The Texas defensive tackle has good initial quickness off the snap to get upfield quickly and disrupt the action in the backfield. He maintains his gap and shows the lateral quickness to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage.

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Matthew Golden, WR

With his instant acceleration off the line of scrimmage and finds a second gear to win vertically. He runs sharp routes and does a good job of mixing up his tempo to keep defensive backs off balance. Golden also brings special teams value as a kick and punt returner. 

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Isaiah Bond, WR

The Alabama transfer is a dynamic playmaker. The former track athlete is a vertical threat and can take swing passes the distance with his game-breaking quickness. Bond is similar to Jayden Reed and having those two on the same offense would put a lot of stress on opposing defenses. 

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Vernon Broughton and Quintrevion Wisner earn weekly SEC honors

However, two players who stood out were Vernon Broughton and Quintrevion Wisner.

In the Longhorn’s latest conference win, they got contributions from everyone on the roster. However, two players who stood out were Vernon Broughton and Quintrevion Wisner. On Monday, they received national recognition for their play as the talented duo earned weekly SEC honors for the first time this season.

Against Texas A&M, Wisner was unstoppable, recording 186 yards on 33 carries. He also hauled in two catches for 21 yards, finishing the afternoon with 207 yards. His 186 yards on the ground were the fourth-most ever by a Longhorn against the Aggies. Due to his performance, Wisner was named the Co-Offensive Player of the Week.

As Wisner led the offense, Broughton was a force defensively. He had two sacks, his most in a single game, and added two quarterback hurries to his resume. He also came through in the clutch when he recovered a fumble on Texas A&M’s last series of the game. Due to his stellar play, the Texas native was named the Co-Defensive Player of the Week.

After their best performances of the season, Wisner and Broughton will get to build on their play in the SEC title game. The Longhorns will face Georgia on Dec. 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. ESPN’s College GameDay will air live from Atlanta from 8 – 11 AM CT as the Longhorns attempt to make history.

Following an 11-1 regular season, the Longhorns enter Saturday as heavy favorites. They will need Wisner and Broughton to mirror their performances from last weekend to top the Bulldogs and head into the college playoffs on a winning streak.

Five offseason statements made by Steve Sarkisian that inspire confidence

These quotes tell you Steve Sarkisian is making changes.

Press conferences are often not very insightful for most football teams. The opposite is true with Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian.

Sarkisian is usually contemplative and genuine in his response to questions asked by Texas media. Out of those responses, one can gather what the second-year head coach is hinting at heading into the 2022 season.

There is not tangible proof that Texas is going through a philosophical overhaul on defense, but one can gather from his offseason statements that change is on its way.

The great offensive mind has discussed various changes in defensive mentality all offseason, but recent quotes say a great deal about the core values of his defense.

As for the offense, Sarkisian detailed on how position battles can be won. Here are a few quotes that inspire trust heading into the first month of football.

Jordan Whittington and Vernon Boughton named wildcard players in 2020

Athlon Sports has named two players who could change UT’s season. Jordan Whittington and Vernon Broughton have been named ‘wildcards’.

Texas is heading into another season full of anticipation and expectations. In order for Tom Herman to fulfill those expectations, some new faces are going to have to step up.

Athlon Sports has named two players who could be those guys for Texas in 2020. Labeled as ‘wildcards’, they look at both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, starting with Jordan Whittington at wide receiver.

Offense: Jordan Whittington, WR

Whittington appeared in just one game last year before an injury ended his season. The highly touted RB/WR has the skills to make defenses pay in a variety of ways. Head coach Tom Herman will look to deploy him accordingly.

Whittington had a ton of hype going into the 2019 season as a five-star recruit. Originally, he was going to play running back but sadly picked up an injury in the season opener against Louisiana Tech and sat out the rest of the year.

Thanks to the solid play of Keaontay Ingram and Roschon Johnson, plus the addition of five-star Bijan Robinson, Whittington will be moving to wide receiver.

Scheduled to line up in the slot for most of the year, Whittington just needs to get the ball in his hands to become dangerous. Big 12 defenses are going to have a tough time trying to bring him down.

On defense, Athlon Sports points out another freshman, who is hoping to improve Texas’ worst position group form last year.

Defense: Vernon Broughton, DL

The UT defense fell apart last season in part due to lackluster play on the defensive line. That cracks open the door for a true freshman like Broughton to get on the field right away. He already has the frame (6-5, 286) to handle the leap to the college level.

One of the Longhorns’ early enrollees back in January, Broughton was a four-star defensive tackle recruit. From the Houston area, Texas beat out Ohio State and Texas A&M for his signature.

Because of his size, Broughton has the ability to play up the middle or on the outside. Keondre Coburn and Moro Ojomo are expected to start at nose tackle and defensive tackle respectively but Broughton could become a legitimate role player.

The success of young players will help Texas, despite all of the returning talent on this year’s team. With Sam Ehlinger departing after the 2020 season, the Longhorns will need to find a new leader for the future.

Guys such as Jordan Whittington and Vernon Broughton could become leaders with big freshman seasons.

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WATCH: Texas early enrollee Vernon Broughton showcases footwork

Four-star defensive lineman Vernon Broughton will be ready for his freshman season when the time comes.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, college athletes are forced to be creative by any means to stay in football shape. Continue reading “WATCH: Texas early enrollee Vernon Broughton showcases footwork”

Highest-rated signees from Texas football’s 2020 recruiting class

Get to know the five highest-rated signees from Texas football’s impressive 2020 recruiting class.

Texas has had an impressive 2020 recruiting class up to this point, currently rated No. 11 in the nation. National Signing Day on the first Wednesday of February could still increase their overall ranking among other programs.

Let’s get to know the five highest-rated signees who could make an immediate impact for the Longhorns this season, courtesy of 247Sports Composite.

Bijan Robinson, RB

  • No. 1 running back in the nation, No. 15 overall prospect
  • Five-star
  • Salpointe Catholic High School (Tucscon, AZ)
  • 6-0, 200 pounds
  • Pro comparison: Alvin Kamara
  • Signed Letter of Intent

Hudson Card, QB

  • No. 2 dual-threat quarterback in the nation, No. 57 overall prospect
  • Four-star
  • Lake Travis High School (Austin, TX)
  • 6-2.5, 179 pounds
  • Pro Comparison: Will Grier
  • Early enrollee

Ja’Quinden Jackson, QB

  • No. 3 dual-threat quarterback in the nation, No. 73 overall prospect
  • Four-star
  • Duncanville High School (Duncanville, TX)
  • 6-2, 219 pounds
  • Pro comparison: Dak Prescott
  • Signed Letter of Intent

Vernon Broughton, DT

  • No. 14 defensive tackle in the nation, No. 121 overall prospect
  • Four-star
  • Cy Ridge High School (Houston, TX)
  • 6-5, 286 pounds
  • Pro comparison: Chris Wormley
  • Early enrollee

Prince Dorbah, LB

  • No. 7 outside linebacker in the nation, No. 126 overall prospect
  • Four-star
  • Highland Park High School (Dallas, TX)
  • 6-2.5, 208 pounds
  • Pro comparison: D’Andre Walker
  • Signed Letter of Intent

Don’t forget about defensive end Alfred Collins. Currently graded as the No. 64 overall prospect in the country, Collins would be a significant addition to this class. He will be announcing his decision between Texas, Oklahoma, or Alabama on National Signing Day.

If Collins does in fact choose Texas, he would be the third-highest rated prospect in this class. Fortunately for the Longhorns, it’s at a critical position of need as well.

Ehlinger will be returning for his senior season, but the battle between Card and Jackson on who will be his successor will be an interesting one to watch.

WATCH: 2020 Texas football commits arrive to campus

Several of Texas’ top-rated 2020 football commits have arrived on campus to get a head start on their collegiate careers.

Several high school athletes strive to graduate early in December. This allows the freshman to enroll on campus in the spring semester, where they can take full advantage of college training staff and weight rooms before the season begins.

Although five-star running back Bijan Robinson and four-star outside linebacker Prince Dorbah are in Hawaii participating in the Polynesian Bowl, it appears a large portion of the Longhorns top-rated 2020 commits have already arrived on campus.

Four-star defensive tackle Vernon Broughton, four-star offensive lineman Logan Parr, four-star safety Xavion Alford, and four-star dual threat quarterback Hudson Card have all arrived in Austin to get a head start on their collegiate careers.