The Texas Longhorns have three of the best returning cornerbacks in the SEC ahead of next season, per PFF’s grades.
Texas Ready to Unleash Three-Headed Monster in Secondary Next Season
Texas is set to deploy a formidable trio in their secondary in the upcoming season.
Despite putting together one of the best seasons for the program in recent memory, the Texas Longhorns faced significant criticism last year for the inconsistent performance of their secondary.
Arguably the weakest unit on an otherwise strong roster, Texas’ secondary allowed the fifth-most passing yards per game in the Big 12 (240.8), even though the defense as a whole gave up the fewest rushing yards (80.8) and points per game (17.5) in the conference.
However, things seem to be turning around as Texas heads into the SEC.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Longhorns have three of the top 10 highest-graded returning SEC cornerbacks for next year, including a new addition to the roster. Texas transfer cornerback Jay’Vion Cole earned the highest grade among returning SEC CBs with an 86.2, following impressive performances at Cal Poly and San Jose State over the past two years. Close behind him were Texas’ Gavin Holmes and Malik Muhammad, ranking fifth (78.6) and sixth (78.5), respectively.
Here’s a look at the full list of grades:
https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1803051788964094066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1803051788964094066%7Ctwgr%5Ebc42ce625dc932d8ab1640b3a7bb3448da06451f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.si.com%2Fcollege%2Ftexas%2Fnews%2Ftexas-ready-to-unleash-three-headed-monster-in-secondary-next-season-01j12zv01f0x
Last season at San Jose State, Cole recorded 38 total tackles, one sack, 10 passes defended, and three interceptions. Then, in 2022 at Cal Poly, he registered 15 total tackles, four passes defended, and four interceptions. Seven interceptions over two seasons is a remarkable achievement, regardless of the conference.
With high expectations as a freshman, Muhammad showed glimpses of excellence on the way to the College Football Playoff last year. He concluded the season with 32 total tackles, four passes defended, one interception, and also scored a touchdown off a blocked punt in the game against Oklahoma.
As for Holmes, who transferred from Wake Forest last offseason, he had a relatively uneventful season in terms of statistics with 15 total tackles and two passes defended. Nevertheless, his grade speaks volumes. Heading into his fifth collegiate season, Holmes’ extensive experience could be extremely valuable for Pete Kwiatkowski’s defense.
If this trio can match their PFF grades on the field, the potential of the Texas defense for the upcoming season knows no bounds.
Leave a Reply