Tony Thomas
Author
The Texas Longhorns return seven starters on a talented defense that made a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance last season against the eventual national champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Associated Press put out its Preseason All-American Team on Monday, The Longhorns were well represented, with three defensive standouts earning spots on the first-team defense: linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., safety Michael Taafe and edge rusher Colin Simmons.
At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, Hill was an unholy terror for the opposition in 2024. Hill led the Longhorns in tackles (113). In addition, Hill was in the facemask of the quarterback consistently last season as he recorded eight sacks. If you needed a turnover, Hill obliged by producing four forced fumbles. He will anchor the Texas defense on their quest for a national title.
Taafe was right behind Hill on the tackle chart with 78 stops and he intercepted two passes. For his efforts, Taafe was named All-American by Pro Football Focus last season.
Simmons led the team in sacks with nine. In addition, Simmons posted 48 tackles 14 tackles for loss, picked off one pass and forced three fumbles. Simmons’s stellar play earned him recognition from the Maxwell Football Club as the winner of the Shaun Alexander Award, presented to the most outstanding freshman player in college football.
Texas has won 25 games over the past two seasons and has been a regular in the College Football Playoff. As the preseason No. 1 team in college football, Coach Steve Sarkisian has a talented team on both sides of the ball and have the pieces in place to bring a national title back to the Forty Acres.
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Cody Croy
Author
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