Two Longhorn defenders named top-10 players at their position by Pro Football Focus

On3 imageby:Joe Cook05/19/23

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Pro Football Focus is making its way through the offseason by ranking the top 10 players at every position, and several Texas Longhorns on the defensive side of the ball were labeled as one of the best in the country.

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Byron Murphy was named one of the top defensive tackles, while Jaylan Ford was listed among the elite linebackers.

Byron Murphy – No. 8 DT

Texas had the deepest interior defensive line in college football this past season, with four earning grades above 77. 

Murphy is one of two who are returning, and his 83.9 run-defense grade in 2022 was a top-10 mark among Power Five interior defensive linemen. The sophomore was also 11th in the Power Five with a 14.8% pass-rush win rate.

PFF’s Max Chadwick

On3’s Matt Zenitz called Murphy one of 15 spring defensive standouts the nation needs to know. Last year, Murphy played in all 13 games with one start. He recorded 26 tackles, 3.0 TFL, and a sack. He figures to start alongside T’Vondre Sweat in the upcoming season.

Murphy was listed behind Clemson’s Tyler Davis, Duke’s DeWayne Carter, Miami’s Leonard Taylor, Michigan’s Kris Jenkins, LSU’s Mekhi Wingo, Cincinnati’s Dontay Corleone, and Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton.

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Jaylan Ford – No. 7 LB

The junior’s four interceptions led all FBS linebackers, and he tied for second in the Power Five with two fumble recoveries. His three forced fumbles were also tied for sixth in the country. 

PFF’s Max Chadwick

Texas received a boost in the winter when Ford announced he would return for his senior season. A third-team All-American according to the Associated Press and a first-team All-Big 12 pick, Ford had four interceptions during the 2022 campaign. That tied a mark set by Derrick Johnson in 2002 and 2003. Ford is the unquestioned leader of the defense and looks to build off his tremendous 2022.

Ford was listed behind North Carolina’s Cedric Gray, Clemson’s Barrett Carter, Georgia’s Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Ohio State’s Tommy Eichenberg, LSU’s Harold Perkins, and Clemson’s Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

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