Texas football: 1 offensive and 1 defensive player poised to break out in 2021

Alfred Collins could be the best defensive player in the Big 12 as a sophomore

While the Longhorns have had offensive skill position players of note throughout the last decade-plus, their issues have largely been on the defensive side of the ball. Yes, you could say it is just part of what it takes to play at a high level in the Big 12 where the Air Raid is ever-present offensively. However, not having great defensive players is not how you play championship ball.

If there is one player poised to break out on the defensive side of the ball for Texas, it would have to be sophomore defensive lineman Alfred Collins. The 6-foot-5 and 300-pound defensive lineman had 23 total tackles in 10 games for the 2020 Longhorns. He really turned heads in the Alamo Bowl vs. the Colorado Buffaloes when his freakish defensive abilities took center stage.

With Pete Kwiatkowski making his way over from Washington to be Sarkisian’s defensive coordinator, he has to love the raw talent he inherited in Collins. While he is not going to lead the Big 12 in sacks, pressures or anything like that, Collins has the potential to be the best defensive playmaker in the Big 12 in his true sophomore season. Look for him to be all-conference in 2021.

Ultimately, Texas could be good enough to get to Arlington and play for a Big 12 title this year. While the Longhorns may not be able to beat Oklahoma or Iowa State in the title bout, Sarkisian could get this team to somewhere around 10-2 and have them playing in the Sugar Bowl vs. an SEC team. As long as Collins and Robinson break out, Texas will be on its way toward finding success under Sarkisian.

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