Texas Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

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AUSTIN, TX – SEPTEMBER 04: Malik Jefferson #46 of the Texas Longhorns sacks DeShone Kizer #14 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 4, 2016 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Linebackers

Starting inside linebacker: Malik Jefferson
Backups: Jeffrey McCulloch

If you haven’t heard the name Malik Jefferson yet, acquaint yourself. He’s one of the best linebackers in the nation and he’s fresh off a stellar sophomore season. He finished with 60 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks with two pass deflections. He can do it all and will be expected to be a leader on this side of the ball. Sophomore Jeffrey McCulloch had 22 tackles last season and is expected to be the backup.

Starting outside linebacker: Breckyn Hager
Backup: Naashon Hughes

While Naashon Hughes didn’t have the best season at outside linebacker in 2016, he still played well enough to put himself near the top of the depth chart in spring ball. However, Breckyn Hager returns as the team’s leading tackler from last season. He finished with 65 total tackles, 13.5 for loss and six sacks. Combine him with Jefferson and you have a deadly one-two punch at linebacker.

Starting nickel back: P.J. Locke III
Backup: Antwuan Davis

Junior P.J. Locke III will return as the team’s starting nickel and he led the defensive in interceptions last season — albeit it was only two. He was just 12th on the team in tackles as well, but there’s nowhere to go but up for him. Antwuan Davis is entering his final season with the Longhorns and he will be pushing for snaps.

Starting middle linebacker: Anthony Wheeler
Backup: Erick Fowler

Arguably the most important position on the defensive side of the ball, middle linebacker will be Anthony Wheeler’s job to lose. The junior returns as a start for the Longhorns after finishing second on the team with 60 tackles in 2016. Sophomore Erick Fowler is an intriguing player behind him and is looking to break out in 2017.

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