Steve Sarkisian has transformed the Texas Longhorns into a football powerhouse headed into the SEC and the 2024 season.
With skill at every turn, the Horns’ roster is one of the best in the country, and Texas is anticipated to be a top team once more.
Following a setback to the Washington Huskies in the College Football Playoff semifinals, the Longhorns will be looking for vengeance, which will lead to fierce competition on the field and even within the squad.
As spring workouts fade and summer ball approaches, one of the spots Texas will compete for come fall is the No. 1 linebacker on Sarkisian’s defense.
The Horns have a glut of talent at the position, with returning star David Gbenda, second-year Liona Lefau, and redshirt freshman Derion Gullette all competing.
So, which highly skilled linebacker should be Sarkisian’s LB1 in 2024?
LB: David Gbenda, Senior+ | 6’0, 225 pounds.
Gbenda will be the most seasoned linebacker on the Texas Longhorns roster. He is a sixth-year returner with the Horns, and his prominence peaked last season.
In 2023, Gbenda recorded 50 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. He also broke up two pass attempts, increasing his career PD total.
During his sophomore season with the Horns (2020), Gbenda even caught an interception out of the air.
As Gbenda grows (literally and figuratively, as he is already 6-foot-0 and 225 pounds), he has almost entrenched himself as the Longhorns’ top linebacker in 2024.
Liona Lefau and Derion Gullette
Lefau and Gullette are relatively inexperienced linebackers, especially when compared to comrade Gbenda. However, this does not imply that any of them should be removed from the conversation.
Last season, Lefau appeared in all 14 games for Texas but only had 7 total tackles. As he matures and begins his second season with the Horns, Lefau’s statistics will definitely reflect his progress.
Gullette used his redshirt last season, therefore he has yet to receive significant playing time for the Longhorns. He stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 231 pounds as he enters his second year but first season. With the ideal frame for a linebacker, he will undoubtedly be a star.
