AUSTIN, Texas — When new Texas Longhorns defensive coordinator Chris Ash arrived in Austin, he had two players projected at his Jack position, the hybrid defensive end/linebacker role that is similar to Todd Orlando’s B-backer position, but less likely to drop into coverage.
Coming out of the Alamo Bowl, it was clear that Ash had something with starter Joseph Ossai, the junior who earned MVP honors in San Antonio thanks to a breakout performance that included nine tackles, six tackles for loss, and three sacks.
Behind Ossai, however, Byron Vaughns was the only player providing depth, now a redshirt sophomore who appeared in 10 games last season, but didn’t make the UTEP depth chart.