On3 ranks the Texas safeties as the 10th best in the nation

On3’s Jesse Simonton thought highly of Texas’ offensive position groups. He called the Longhorn quarterback room the best in the nation. Texas’ wide receivers were ranked as the No. 3 group. Tashard Choice‘s running backs room was ranked No. 9. Kyle Flood‘s O-line was No. 2 in the nation behind only LSU.

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The defense had not yet joined Simonton’s rankings through evaluations of various defensive lines, linebacker corps, and cornerback groupings around the nation. They only netted a “best of the rest” mention when talking about defensive lines. That changed Friday when Simonton called Blake Gideon‘s safeties the No. 10 unit at that position in the nation.

Here’s what Simonton had to say…

The Longhorns’ pass defense was just so-so in 2023, and the safety unit was not a strength. A year later, they feel much better about their back end with the development of Derek Williams Jr., the return of super-senior Jahdae Barron, who can play safety or star, and the addition of Clemson transfer Andrew Mukuba.

Mukuba is a big, physical safety with three years of experience. He had six PBUs in 2023, and allowed just a single completion over 20 yards all season. Meanwhile, Williams is seen as a rising star and should improve Texas’ pass coverage from the position. Behind the starting group, Texas will mix in junior Michael Taaffe, and 5-star freshman Xavier Filsaime.

While the Longhorns consider Star to be a part of the corner position, many pundits and coaches around the country lump that position in with safeties. Either way, Simonton is on the money when he says that Barron can do both, but Barron can also contribute at the corner position.

Taaffe, a potential starter at this juncture, brings experience, coordination, and tackling ability to the role. What Williams lacks in experience, he makes up for in tackling ability as well but also sky-high potential.

Mukuba does similar as an extremely versatile piece, as does Jaylon Guilbeau at the Star position. Filsaime, Jordon Johnson-Rubell, Jelani McDonald, and Wardell Mack round out the safeties position as On3 would interpret it.

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On3’s top 10 safety units in 2024

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