The 2013 Texas Longhorns linebacking corps will be closely watched after a 2012 that tested the patience of fans and coaches. On paper, this unit is as talented as it gets. We all know that talent can only take you so far. Last year, they struggled with consistency and gave up some big plays.
Some have blamed coaching, poor technique and gap control. Everyone has an opinion. However, one thing that we can all agree on is that for the Mack Brown to lead the Longhorns back to greatness, Texas is going to need big plays out of their defense, and that starts with the linebackers. [s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]
There is reason for hope. Steve Edmond and Kendal Thompson were two of the top five tacklers in 2012 and they are back. Throw in senior Jordan Hicks and junior Peter Jinkens and you have some players that can lead by example. Hopefully the others follow their lead.
Steve Edmond
Edmond had a good 2012. He racked up 103 tackles (6 TFL) and showed signs that he is a rising star. It is easy to see that if he becomes a bit more consistent and turns the intensity up notch, he could have a major impact on this Texas team.
Word around the camp fire is that Edmond has shed weight and is looking quicker and more explosive. Some have suggested that he move to defensive line or tight end. Edmond has worked hard in the off-season to show that he is dedicated to playing linebacker.
The talent has always been there, but now is the time for Steve Edmond to turn that talent into production, with consistency. We can’t wait to watch this guy take the field.
Kendall Thompson
Kendall Thompson is an absolute athlete with a ton of upside. He is capable of flying all over the field to make athletic plays. The only knock on him is that he is not consistent and will sometimes disappear.
With rising underclassmen Tim Cole, Deuondrei Davis and Dalton Santos at his heels, it will be up to Thompson to improve on last years stats and be the impact player that the Longhorns need him to be. Given his dedication to the off-season program, we expect good things for Thompson.
In short, Thompson must be the No. 2 to Edmond’s No. 1 and take on the role with a refined combination of aggressiveness and technical savvy to ensure a major role with Texas in 2013.
Jordan Hicks
Jordan Hicks is a 5-star prospect that started as a freshman, had success as a sophomore, but due to an injury, played in only 3 games in 2012.
The Texas coaching staff will be looking for Hicks to bounce back and be the dominant force they need. If he can stay healthy, Jordan Hicks will be a feature piece of a promising Longhorn defense. We know what this guy can do … now it is time for him to do it. We expect a big season out of Hicks.
In short, the Texas linebacking unit will have the weight of the world on its collective shoulders this fall. How they handle that weight could well be the difference between a 10-win season and something more special for this year’s Longhorn squad.
Source: Kris Hughes/Rant Sports
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