Sports Home Texas Football: Five Longhorns ready to break out in 2023
Texas football is on the doorstep of competing for a conference title and potentially a College Football Playoff berth in 2023.
Expectations are high for the Longhorns to put together a big season in year three under Steve Sarkisian. Texas saw a three-win improvement from 2021 to 2022. Many experts predict the Horns will take another step in the right direction this fall.
Texas returns a bulk of production from a season ago. 10 starters are back on offense, including quarterback Quinn Ewers and a talented group of weapons. A solid core on defense is back, led by All-Big 12 linebacker Jaylan Ford and a strong secondary.
For Texas to take the next step into national contention this season, a few more pieces need to develop into key contributors.
Here is a look at five Longhorns ready to break out onto the college football scene in 2023. Strong campaigns from these players could be what pushes Texas over the top this season.
RB Jonathon Brooks
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Jonathan Brooks is expected to fill the big shoes of Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson this season. The third-year running back has looked the part in limited opportunities in his career. Steve Sarkisian has had a 1,000-yard rusher every year he has called plays at the college level. Brooks seems to be next in line.
WR AD Mitchell
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Already a known commodity among Georgia faithful, AD Mitchell has star potential. Mitchell has yet to play an entirely healthy season in college but is a difference-maker on the field. A whole year playing in Sarkisian’s offense should do wonders for Mitchell’s stock going forward.
LB Anthony Hill
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Five-star linebacker Anthony Hill is one of Texas’ most important signings in 2023. The early enrollee is generating tons of buzz in spring ball. Expect Hill to be a real factor on the Longhorns’ defense from day one.
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Similar to AD Mitchell mentioned above, Arkansas transfer Jalen Catalon has elite upside when healthy. The former All-American is set to anchor a Texas secondary unit that can be one of the best in the nation.
DT Byron Murphy
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Byron Murphy looked to have turned his game into another gear this offseason. Murphy has contributed his first two seasons with Texas and now steps into the starting defensive tackle role. The Longhorns’ defense starts up front where Murphy is a force up the middle.
