After a thorough search, Steve Sarkisian finally made a move at defensive coordinator as Washington’s Pete Kwiatkowski is expected to accept the role at Texas. The longtime west coast coach will bring his excellent track record down to the Big 12 in the attempt to stop some of the best offenses in the country.
His base defense seems a bit odd, being one of the first adopters of playing nickel consistently. Kwiatkowski then runs out two defensive tackles, two outside linebackers/pass rushers, and two middle linebackers. At times, it can look like a 2-4-5 and at other times more like a 4-2-5.
With the change in scheme comes the question of personnel. Do the players left behind by Tom Herman and Chris Ash fit into what Kwiatkowski wants to run? Some transfers and late additions to the 2021 recruiting class could help but for now, they will have to adapt to what is given.
Take a look at what the potential starting lineup could look like for Texas’ defense next season.