When the 2024 college football season begins, freshman around the country will be trying to make their mark. While the Longhorns have an experienced roster, they will be welcoming a talented recruiting class. That class includes [autotag]Kobe Black[/autotag] and [autotag]Colin Simmons[/autotag], who could play critical roles on defense.
Of the two, Simmons will arrive on campus with the highest expectations. He was the highest-ranked member of the Longhorns 2024 class. The Texas native was a menace to quarterbacks in high school and has five-star potential. He will have to compete with Trey Moore and Ethan Burke for snaps at defensive end, but that should be no issue for Simmons.
“If you come in and you’re in the 2-deep at Texas as a true freshman… you are the cream of the crop.”🗣️@LateKickJosh says true freshman EDGE Colin Simmons should make an immediate impact for @TexasFootball this fall 👀🤘 @Horns247 pic.twitter.com/TyWJlSnr8j
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) June 3, 2024
While Black won’t be rushing the quarterback, he is expected to make life difficult in the secondary. He has the physical tools to compete early and the versatility to play different positions. The talented cornerback will also have the opportunity to make an impact on special teams. Regardless of where the Longhorns put him, Black should be able to force his way into meaningful snaps.
Kobe Black puts Waco Connally in solid field position on this punt return pic.twitter.com/EcHbMeJKvC
— Cole Patterson (@_colepatterson) August 26, 2023
After an offseason full of change, head coach Steve Sarkisian will need the next generation of Longhorns to step up. Last season, pass defense was one of their biggest weaknesses, and improving in that area will go a long way in a new conference. Simmons and Black are two players who make an impact in that area and are determined to make a good first impression.