Texas Football: 5 spring 2019 breakout candidates

2 of 5

AUSTIN, TX – SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Tom Herman of the Texas Longhorns leads the team on to the field before the game against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Jalen Green didn’t play much as a true freshman despite being a top-100 recruit in the 2018 class. He saw the field minimally, but he’s been turning heads so far this spring.

According to senior safety Brandon Jones, he has high hopes for his sophomore cornerback teammate.

"“Jalen Green really hasn’t gotten the playing time this year but I know for sure he’s one of those guys that I’ve seen in practice in fall camp, he’s one of the best corners we have, in my opinion,” Jones said. “He does a really good job of just being able to find the ball wherever it is. He’s long, too, on top of that, which really helps him out in his position. So I think he’ll have a breakout year this year.”"

That’s high praise from one of the best defensive backs on the team. He also mentioned fellow sophomore Anthony Cook as a potential breakout candidate on the defensive side and the two cornerbacks will definitely be battling it out for a starting spot.

Cook had 18 tackles and a pass defended last season while Green played much less, recording just three total tackles. You could insert either player in this position, but I’m going with Green because he’s flown under the radar just a bit more than Cook.

Texas’ defensive backfield should be young and incredibly talented this season.

Home/Texas Longhorns