With 18 scholarship players along the defensive line, it’s the largest position group on the roster for the Texas Longhorns and one that includes two fifth-year players, two fourth-year players, three third-year players, and eight true freshmen.
Considered a potential team strength heading into last season, the group underachieved, producing only 14 sacks, with 11.5 sacks returning, and 37 tackles for loss, with 25.5 tackles for loss returning. Against the pass, the defensive line failed to consistently create pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Against the run, the group struggled to regularly make plays in the backfield and often allowed offensive linemen to get to the second level too easily.