Three transfers Texas should pursue on defense if they miss out on Ochaun Mathis

If the Longhorns do happen to swing and miss on Ochaun Mathis, they need a solid contingency plan to bolster the defense.

Outside of Mathis, there are no proven pass rushers currently in the transfer portal which adds even more salt to the wound. This likely means that someone currently on the roster like Barryn Sorrell will need to step up to provide a consistent sack threat.

However, there are still a few proven defensive players that can help make up for missing out on several of their defensive targets up to this point, including linebacker Caleb Johnson who transferred to Miami.

There’s a select few linebackers that are worth pursuing, and while it is not as big of a need as a pass rusher, the Longhorns still need help at the linebacker spot as there have been very mixed reviews about that position all spring.

Let’s take a look at three players that would greatly benefit the defense, starting with Michigan State transfer Quavaris Crouch on the next page.

Kirthmon F. Dozier

Quavaris Crouch, Michigan State

While this will be his third school in as many years, Quavarious Crouch is an experienced linebacker that would greatly bolster the Longhorns current situation. In his one season at Michigan State, Crouch appeared in 10 of their games, starting nine of them. He racked up 75 tackles this past season, recorded two sacks, and also forced a fumble. Even with this being his second time transferring, he would have immediate eligibility, and certainly could give Texas another linebacker with good range and tackling ability.

Next, a former No. 1 junior college linebacker

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Navonteque “Bugg” Strong, LSU

Navonteque “Bugg” Strong is the former No. 1 junior college linebacker. He has legitimate experience, playing in every game for LSU accumulating 17 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one pass breakup this past season. Having someone as productive as him would be huge for Texas. He has shown the ability to get to the quarterback and finish plays. He racked up 13.5 sacks at the junior college level. Strong also offers someone who has multiple years of eligibility left, which means that he would be able to provide consistency after the loss of seniors DeMarvion Overshown and Luke Brockermeyer.

Finally, a standout from Coastal Carolina

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Enock Makonzo, Coastal Carolina

The Coastal Carolina hybrid safety/linebacker, Enock Makonzo, is still one of of the most productive and decorated players on the market. He started the past two seasons and racked up an impressive 143 total tackles with 19.5 for a loss and even earned an All-Sun Belt honorable mention nod. He is ranked No. 4 among players in the portal and would certainly give this Longhorn defense a boost as he can be used in a multitude of ways and provide a dynamic playmaker they don’t have.