With the departure of PJ Locke III, a three-year starter, one of the open competitions during preseason camp for the Texas Longhorns is at nickel, an important position in any defense because it demands a diverse skill set, including the ability to survive in man coverage against speedy slot receivers and get physical against screen passes and outside runs.
This season, defensive coordinator Todd Orlando will have his choice between two talented players with vastly different personalities — brash, confident Josh Thompson, a junior with a background at cornerback, and BJ Foster, the quiet, unassuming country kid who played running back at Angleton and at the Joker position as a freshman last season in addition to safety.