Texas head coach Tom Herman hired new defensive coordinator Chris Ash at the conclusion of the 2019 season in hopes of improving what was one of the worst units in college football.
Although the Longhorns suffered numerous injuries on the defensive side of the ball last season, ten players are returning that have received significant playing time.
During Horns247’s Texas Tailgate virtual chat, Herman expressed that he’s comfortable with the experienced roster on that side of the ball when players are healthy. In fact, he has high hopes for a few of his young athletes to step up.
Herman singled out four defensive players that he feels confident will make a splash in 2020.
T’Vondre Sweat, DE
Sweat appeared in all 13 games as a true freshman. He compiled nine tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, two pass breakups and one fumble recovery. Former Texas defensive lineman Malcolm Roach has referred to Sweat as the most physically gifted lineman in their position group. With an extended offseason to get stronger and faster, Sweat will play a large role in the trenches as a true sophomore.
DeMarvion Overshown, LB
Speaking of injuries, Overshown has experienced his fair share of them. As a former five-star prospect, Overshown has only appeared in 17 games over the past two seasons. He’s currently making the transition to linebacker, where Herman mentioned that he will significantly contribute at the will linebacker spot when healthy.
David Gbenda, LB
Gbenda will play wherever he’s needed. In 2019, he assisted at the running back position when Texas had minimal depth. After transitioning back to linebacker before Big 12 play began, his impressive work ethic garnered a start against Kansas. Although he ultimately decided to redshirt, his hard work throughout the fall did not go unnoticed. Former Texas linebacker Jeffrey McCulloch compared Gbenda to former All-Big 12 linebacker Gary Johnson. Herman expects Gbenda to ‘make some noise’ in 2020.
Kenyatta Watson, LB
There’s no shortage of talent in the secondary. Herman feels that Watson took advantage of the playing time he received as a true freshman before preserving his redshirt status. Watson’s primary highlight from last season was his pass breakup in the end zone on fourth-and-goal against Texas Tech. Expect to see Watson on the field often in 2020.