Just when the Longhorns thought they had some help coming their away in transfer linebacker Caleb Johnson, the rug was pulled out from under them.
The now former Longhorn and Bruin, as Johnson spent a little time in Austin before transferring to UCLA, decided to take his talents to Miami to play for new coach Mario Cristobal.
While this isn’t the end of the world for Texas as they do have some decent players at linebacker, adding some depth would have helped this group greatly.
The linebackers were average at best last season, as they along with the rest of the defense struggled with physicality and were apart of the reason Texas ranked No. 114 in run defense.
Since the staff is so keen on adding more players from the transfer portal, there are definitely viable options that they should consider to make up for losing out on Johnson.
Here are a few linebackers that the Longhorns should pursue after missing out on their latest transfer portal quest.
Enock Makonzo, Coastal Carolina
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
The Coastal Carolina hybrid safety/linebacker, Enock Makonzo, is one of the most productive and decorated players still 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 ranks as the No. 6 player in the portal among all available players, and would certainly give this Longhorn defense a boost.
Josh Chandler, West Virginia
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
An experienced fifth-year senior that provides a quick fix, and would likely be one of the better linebackers on the roster. He has accumulated nearly 260 total tackles during his time at West Virginia, and led the team in tackles in 2021 with 110.
Navonteque “Bugg” Strong, LSU
AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis
Navonteque “Bugg” Strong is the former No. 1 junior college…
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