Texas Longhorns and Steve Sarkisian need to lean on talented youth and elite leader in defensive secondary

The Texas Longhorns definitely looked "back" last season as they made it all the way to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Can they do it again? The short is "yes" if their offense has anything to say about it. Their future first round quarterback Quinn Ewers returns, the new explosive wide receiver room looks as good as last fall , and the offensive line is stacked with potential pro talent.

But what about the defense? Yes, replacing Byron Murphy and T'Vondre Sweat up front will be tough, but Texas has some big bodies. The real key will likely be the defensive secondary. Let's dive into why that is, the new faces, veteran leader, and the young talents who will have to step up if Texas wants to get to the national championship in 2024.

Texas Defensive Backs in Fall Camp

Projected Starting Defensive Backs

• Jahdae Barron, Star
• Andrew Mukuba, Safety
• Derek Williams Jr., Safety
• Malik Muhammad, Cornerback
• Jay'Vion Cole, Cornerback

Outside of rising true sophomore linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. the leader of the Texas defense is likely star defensive back Jahdae Barron. When I spoke to several Texas players throughout the 2024 NFL Draft process every single one of them mentioned Barron as "the next man up" and a "talent to watch for next year" when it came to being an elite leader and draft prospect. His physicality, instincts, and versatility make him one of the best defenders in all of college football.

Barron will be the elite leader that Texas needs to hold their secondary together this year from the Star position that plays every defensive back role and some linebacker. Barron's lead in communication will be key as a couple new transfers in Andrew Mukuba and Jay'Vion Cole will be joining the fold to likely start in 2024.

Mukuba joins from Clemson, coming off three impressive seasons as the Tigers' starting free safety. He looked incredible as a true freshman, struggled with consistency giving up a few big plays in 2022, but then last season allowed less than eight yards per reception on just 19 catches surrendered on the year. Mukuba's ability to win in the slot, deep, and inside the box will make him a nice pairing with Barron.

Related: Three potential Texas Longhorns breakout players for the 2024 college football season

Jay'Vion Cole is the cornerback transfer many fans might not be as familiar with given that he comes from San Jose State (and Cal Poly prior to that), but he may be the best perimeter defender on the team. Last season he defended a total of ten passes, allowing a completion rate below 50% and a passer rating below 50 when targeted.

The youth that Texas may have to lean into begins with Malik Muhammad, who already starred last year as a true freshman cornerback, and he should only be better in 2024. The team's boundary safety looks like it's going to be Derek Williams Jr., another true sophomore. Although he didn't start at all last season, he played a pivotal role coming in on several key sub-packages and being the "first man on" to relieve many defensive backs. Based on how his 2024 season ended and his spring performance he looks ready to step up.

Defensive Back Depth

• Michael Taafe, Safety
• Gavin Holmes, Cornerback
• Xavier Filsaime, Safety
• Kobe Black, Cornerback

Veterans Michael Taafe and Gavin Holmes, both elders of the team, will also play significant snaps despite perhaps not playing true "starting" roles for the Longhorns this season. Both would be every down players for some SEC teams.

The true wild card defensive back positions look like they'll come in another pair of true freshman in Xavier Filsaime and Kobe Black. Last season it was Malik Muhammad and Derek Williams Jr. asked to step into real roles immediately. Now it's Filsaime's turn as a five star talent who looks like he could be the heir to Jahdae Barron. He may get some run in every single safety and defensive back role throughout the year. Kobe Black is also a five star talent at cornerback who could seriously work his way into the other starting role opposite Muhammad sooner than later.

The key to the Texas secondary will be leaning on Jahdae Barron and a fun mix of youth and transfers this season. Steve Sarkisian has finally built a monster of a roster that can withstand anything. If any of the older transfers or veterans struggle there are multiple five star talents just waiting in the wings to replace them.

Related: Texas Longhorns fall camp will highlight new and explosive wide receiver room

Be looking for more Texas Longhorns coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!

And if you want to remember how good Jahdae Barron can be for Texas just check out the video below!