One of the few positives to come out of the Texas football program this season is the improved defensive line play.
Defensive coordinator Chris Ash has done an impressive job in such a short stint. The trio of coaches in Ash, Oscar Giles, and Mark Hagen have put together one of the top defensive lines in the country this year.
According to PFF, Texas has the No. 4 highest-graded defensive line right now behind Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Pittsburgh.
Highest-graded power five defensive lines
1. Ohio State – 89.7
2. Oklahoma – 84.8
3. Pittsburgh – 83.6
4. Texas – 82.7
5. Georgia – 82.2 pic.twitter.com/qZJGRUj5Vj— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 1, 2020
Jack linebacker Joseph Ossai is the most well-known name in this unit, but defensive tackle Ta’Quon Graham, nose tackle Keondre Coburn and defensive end Moro Ojomo have each held their own.
T’Vondre Sweat, Alfred Collins, and Jacoby Jones have provided solid depth and continue to receive significant playing time. The Longhorns have done well against the run this season in particular, allowing an average of just 3.2 yards per carry.
In 2019, Texas was 59th in the country allowing 4.1 yards per carry. Regardless of who is the head coach in Austin next season, they should take a long hard look at keeping a few of these assistants.
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