Episode Notes: Who Starts On Defense? / Texas Longhorns LIVE 109 Hosts: Matthew Miller & Thomas Bresee (TexasVOCFB / Voice of College Football) Focus: Summer workout intel, defensive depth chart projections, position battles, and early 2026 season outlook for the Texas Longhorns.

1. Opening / Texas vs. Texas State Preview

• Texas favored by ~31.5 points; over/under ~60.5.
• Hosts expect Texas to cover and the game to go over due to late-game scoring against backups.
• Emphasis on Steve Sarkeesian seeking style points against weaker opponents.

2. Summer Workout Intel & Position Changes

• Kobe Black: Moving to safety (possibly free safety/center fielder role). Hosts love the move—better physical fit (long, rangy), improves ball skills in secondary. Boosts confidence in corner depth (Samari Matthews, Warren Roberson).
• Xavier Fils-Aimé: Shifting toward nickel. Versatile cross-training expected across nickel/safety roles depending on opponent, down, and personnel (e.g., vs. run-heavy teams).
• Overall theme: High versatility and depth in the secondary; Will Muschamp will experiment heavily.

3. Defensive Depth Chart Discussion ("Who Starts On Defense?")

• Nose Tackle/Interior DL: Ian Jafard expected to start early, but rotation likely. Strong depth with Hero Canoe & Alex January leading; Murad Watson, Josiah Sharma, Justice Terry, and others provide two-deep starters. High upside and rotation expected.
• Edge: Colin Simmons + Lance Jackson projected as elite starter duo (potentially top in country). Limited rotation possible—Zeno Mozilo, Colton Vasek (health key), Richard Wesley as key backups. High floor with star potential.
• Linebacker: Biggest question mark due to depth.
  • Starters: Rasheem Biles (Mike, critical leader/freak athlete—cannot get hurt), Ty Anthony Smith.
  • Brad Spence in 3-LB sets.
  • Freshmen: Rocky Cummings emerging fastest (physical, coverage-ready); Tyler Atkinson (pass rush upside, needs time); Kosi Akpala.
  • Others: Justin Cryer (experience), Darius Snow (health-dependent wildcard).
  • Concern: Injuries would force heavy reliance on unproven freshmen/young players. Room has high ceiling but thin margin.

4. Other Notable Position Notes

• Offensive Line: Positive summer buzz on depth (Devin Coleman, Andre Kojo as swing tackle). Addresses prior concerns.
• Freshman Linebackers: Trio (Cummings, Atkinson, Akpala) physically ready; Rocky Cummings highlighted as potential early impact player.
• Wide Receivers: Extremely deep and talented; rotation of 5–6 expected. Justice Terry, Kalik Lockett, Jermaine Bishop Jr., Daylon McCutcheon among standouts.
• Secondary: Strong with cross-training and returning talent.

5. Top 3 Concerns for 2026 Season

• Sarkisian Adaptation: Must adjust schemes/personnel faster to available players (less rigid 12-personnel, workhorse RB, etc.) rather than ideal vision.
• Physicality vs. Elite Competition: Must win key short-yardage/physical moments against top teams (Ohio State, Georgia, etc.).
• Arch Manning’s Development / Pressure Handling: Needs cleaner play (accuracy on underneath routes, decision-making) to reach national title level; early pressure could create cracks.
• Bonus: Linebacker depth/injury risk remains a major vulnerability.

Optimistic on talent and depth in most areas (especially DL, edge, WR, secondary). Defensive experimentation under Muschamp is a major storyline. Linebacker health and Sark’s in-season adaptability are the biggest “ifs” for a championship run. Hosts stress proving summer hype on the field, especially in early tests.

Closing: Standard calls to like/subscribe; tease future episodes and recruiting news.

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