Steve Sarkisian assesses the performances of Justin Finkley, Aaron Bryant in the spring

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian, along with position coach Bo Davis, loaded up at defensive line in their 2022 recruiting class. Eight will be entering the program before the season begins, while two of the top guys, Aaron Bryant and Justice Finkley, spent spring practice in Austin.

After the Texas spring game, Sarkisian talked about how the two defensive linemen performed throughout the entire spring. He said both are making progress but with how deep the Longhorns are at defensive tackle, it will be a “log jam” for Bryant before getting some playing time. Sarkisian thinks both have a “bright future” ahead of them as well.

“Both Justice and Aaron, I think are really coachable kids,” Sarkisian said. “That’s the first thing that I love. I love the fact that they come in, they put in the work, they try to do what you ask them to do, and by doing that, I think they both really improved this spring.

“Justice really took a leap, in my opinion, about the last 10 days hereof spring ball. I mean, he was a physical player. He had a presence. Aaron is unique in that he is a powerful guy. Low to the ground, quick. Pretty good instincts. He’s got just a little bit more of a log jam at his position as to what Justice is playing but I think both guys have a bright future for us.”

Bryant (Mississippi) and Finkley (Alabama) are from states Texas usually does not hit on the recruiting trail but thanks to Davis, was able to secure them out of SEC country. Both were ranked four-star prospects by the On3 Consensus with Bryant lining up the middle and Finkley off the edge. It’s a rebuilding process upfront for the Texas defense and both players are seen as key pieces.

Now, the goal will be to continue the growth going into the summer, especially as true freshman. Finkley will have an opportunity to get playing time early due to the Longhorns’ lack of depth on the edge. Whether or not he will be a full-time pass-rusher or play off the ball some is yet to be seen as well.

Bryant has a few hurdles to overcome as Texas is more stacked on the interior. Even so, Sarkisian is impressed with the progress he is making and full expects the Mississippi native to make a huge impact on the roster.