Can Lance Jackson, Brandon Baker, or Kobe Black seize their moment? Discover which Longhorns are poised for explosive performances and impact.
There aren't many things more satisfying for a team than a breakout campaign for one of its players, especially in college football.
A coaching staff spends countless hours identifying young talent, hoping they can become major contributors to its team.
With plenty of players from last year's squad entering the NFL Draft or transferring to new teams, a few players will have to step up in their absence.
The good news? Texas has tons of young talent waiting in the wings for an opportunity to shine.
DE Lance Jackson
Jackson, a 6-5 EDGE player from Texarkana, Texas, was rated as a five-star recruit out of high school.
He featured in all 13 games as a freshman, but received minimal snaps due to the talent ahead of him at the position. Jackson recorded 16 total tackles and 2 sacks in the opportunities he was given.
However, with a year under his belt and the departure of starting EDGE Ethan Burke, the defensive end position opposite to star pass-rusher Colin Simmons may be Jackson's to lose.
His talent is undeniable, and if his cameos last year were any indication of what we could see from him next season, the Longhorns could have two wrecking balls for opposing offensive lines to deal with.
OL Brandon Baker
The Texas OL was a bit of a mess last season, and Baker's inexperience at right tackle did not help.
The sophomore from Ontario, California, struggled with penalties and pass blocking for most of the season, making it difficult for his quarterback, Arch Manning, to consistently advance the ball down the field.
Baker did grow into his role as the season moved along, but his expected new role is what makes him one to watch for next season.
With the portal acquisition of one of the top tackles in the country, Melvin Siani, Baker is expected to move inside to guard to replace DJ Campbell (NFL Draft).
He probably needs to add a bit of size in the offseason, but a move to guard could be just what the doctor ordered for Baker.
CB Kobe Black
It's been a frustrating two years for Kobe Black, but it looked like he was finally making a breakthrough late last season.
Black was used as a depth corner for most of the year, but he stepped up big time against rivals Texas A&M, picking up three key tackles and of course, the game-sealing interception.
His future at Texas was in doubt as he entered his name into the Transfer Portal after the Cheez-It Bowl, but he quickly withdrew it a day later.
The acquisition of Rutgers CB Bo Mascoe is a blow to Black's hopes to become a starter, but if he continues to build off his A&M performance, that spot will become his in no time.