Texas' Will Muschamp 'Sets The Tone' As Strength of Longhorns Defense

Texas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons let out a laugh after he was asked about the frequent trash talk exchanged between him and quarterback Arch Manning - the two leaders of their respective squads - during fall camp.

"It's fun," said Simmons, who is entering his third season in Austin next to Manning, who's going into his fourth overall.

Simmons is expected to be one of the nation's best pass rushers this season, but he's experiencing turnover on his side of the ball, notably with new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp establishing his system.

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The Dallas native views Muschamp as one of the key "strengths" of the Longhorns' defense, more than any one particular player is.

"The strength of this defense: defensive coordinator," Simmons said.

Muschamp comes to Texas after holding several defensive staff positions at Georgia. The coordinator and linebackers coach for the Longhorns from 2008-10, Muschamp's return has brought with it an intensity that is resonating with Simmons & Co.

"I feel like the coaches set the tone," Simmons said. "And I feel like Muschamp comes in each and every day. He's setting the tone. He does a great job doing that."

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What's one word to describe that tone from Muschamp?

"Aggressive," Simmons said. "You're gonna be on your feet. You're gonna be 10 toes down on your feet. Muschamp is gonna make sure you know what you got before you leave that meeting. You gotta come ready to practice each and every day, and I feel like he just holds us to the standard each and every day."

Muschamp is tasked with installing his own scheme, but also trying to maximize the star power on the Longhorns' defense, which is familiar with how former coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski ran things in the past.

Simmons explained that the team's leadership style is "player-led," but so far the influence of the new defensive voice from the sideline is carrying weight.