Offers for Texas’ Weak-Side Defensive End in 2022

The role of a Weak-Side Defensive End (WDE) in a football defense is a critical one, especially in programs that rely on aggressive, high-pressure schemes to disrupt the opposing offense. In the 2022 Texas Longhorns football season, the team, under the direction of head coach Steve Sarkisian, aimed to build a balanced and formidable defense to complement their explosive offense. One key position to focus on in this defensive scheme is the Weak-Side Defensive End, often tasked with rushing the quarterback, containing the edge, and setting the tone for the defense’s overall performance.

In this article, we’ll explore the role of the Weak-Side Defensive End in the Texas Longhorns’ defense during the 2022 season, identify key players at this position, discuss the impact of this position on Texas’ defensive strategies, and analyze the recruits and offers extended to high school players for the 2022 season. We’ll also consider the broader trends in recruiting and coaching that have shaped the defensive line play at Texas in recent years.

Role of the Weak-Side Defensive End

The Weak-Side Defensive End (WDE) is an essential player in a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive alignment. In a 4-3 scheme, the WDE lines up on the opposite side of the strong-side defensive end, generally on the side of the offense’s weak side (or the side without a tight end). The responsibilities of the WDE can vary based on the defensive coordinator’s scheme, but there are several key roles:

1. Pass Rusher: The WDE is often tasked with pressuring the quarterback. Whether in a traditional pass rush or a stunt scheme, the WDE is expected to generate pressure on passing downs, forcing the quarterback to make quick decisions or risk being sacked.
2. Containment: The WDE must also be able to set the edge against running plays that are directed to the outside. This requires a disciplined player who can prevent ball carriers from turning the corner and gaining significant yardage.
3. Versatility: While a WDE’s primary role is to rush the quarterback, they must also be versatile enough to play in space when needed. This could involve dropping into pass coverage or defending against short-area passes, depending on the situation.
4. Run Defense: On running plays to the outside, the WDE must show the ability to shed blockers and maintain leverage, ensuring that the ball carrier has nowhere to go but toward the middle of the field where other defenders can help finish the play.
5. Disruption: More generally, the WDE is responsible for being disruptive. Whether this involves generating turnovers through forced fumbles or altering the timing of the offense’s plays, the WDE is a crucial cog in the defense’s effort to halt an opposing offense.

Texas’ Defensive Line in 2022

During the 2022 season, the Texas Longhorns’ defense underwent significant changes as head coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski sought to establish a more aggressive, disruptive defensive front. The defensive line, including the weak-side defensive end, played a pivotal role in executing the team’s defensive schemes.

The Longhorns utilized a 4-3 defense in many situations, though they also switched to a 3-4 alignment depending on the opponent and game situation. The WDE in this system often had to be quick, explosive, and capable of both defending the run and attacking the quarterback.

Key Players at the Weak-Side Defensive End Position for Texas in 2022

1. Ovie Oghoufo

One of the key players for the Texas Longhorns at the WDE position in 2022 was Ovie Oghoufo. Oghoufo, a transfer from Notre Dame, brought experience and a solid skill set to the defensive line. As a graduate transfer, he had already played at a high level in the NCAA and was expected to make an immediate impact on the Texas defense.

Oghoufo demonstrated a quick first step and the ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His role in the Texas defense was a pivotal one, as he helped to anchor the WDE position, providing both containment against the run and an ability to disrupt the passing game. His motor was high, and he consistently demonstrated an ability to pursue plays across the field.

2. T’Vondre Sweat

Though Sweat primarily played as a defensive tackle, his ability to shift to the WDE position in certain situations allowed Texas to maximize his physicality. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing over 330 pounds, Sweat was one of the most physically imposing players on the defensive line. His ability to get off blocks and make plays in the backfield was invaluable to Texas, especially on passing downs.

3. Alfred Collins

Another player who played a significant role on the defensive line in 2022 was Alfred Collins. While Collins often played as a defensive tackle, his versatility allowed him to line up at the WDE position when needed. Collins, known for his size and athleticism, was capable of handling both the pass rush and run defense duties required of a WDE.

Defensive Line Performance in 2022

Texas’ defensive line, which included Oghoufo, Sweat, and Collins, was solid in 2022 but didn’t always reach the level of dominance that fans and analysts expected. The team showed glimpses of greatness, especially when the defensive line pressured opposing quarterbacks and stopped the run. However, consistency remained a challenge, and the Longhorns’ defense sometimes struggled to close out games or maintain pressure throughout four quarters.

One of the areas where the Texas defensive line was effective was in their ability to get to the quarterback. The WDEs, including Oghoufo, played a significant role in the pass rush, and the team finished the season with an increased number of sacks compared to previous years. This improvement was a direct reflection of the increased emphasis on pass rushing and disruption at the line of scrimmage.

Offers for the Weak-Side Defensive End Position in 2022

For Texas to improve its defensive line depth, especially at the weak-side defensive end position, the program made a concerted effort to target recruits who could contribute to their defensive front. In the 2022 recruiting cycle, several key defensive line prospects received offers from the Texas Longhorns, with many of them being pursued for their potential to excel at the WDE position.

1. Derrick Brown (2022 Commitment)

Derrick Brown was one of the most highly sought-after recruits for the Texas Longhorns in 2022. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 250 pounds, Brown was an explosive defensive end prospect who could fill the role of a WDE in the future. Known for his ability to rush the passer and disrupt the offensive backfield, Brown was seen as a potential game-changer for the Longhorns’ defense.

Brown committed to Texas in 2022 and immediately became one of the top-rated defensive line recruits in the country. His quickness off the edge, ability to set the edge against the run, and overall physicality made him an ideal fit for the WDE role.

2. Chris Ross (2022 Commitment)

Another highly regarded recruit for the Texas Longhorns was Chris Ross, a defensive lineman out of Louisiana. Ross, who was primarily recruited to play at defensive tackle, also possessed the versatility to line up as a WDE in certain packages. His ability to rush the quarterback from multiple positions and his exceptional size made him an ideal candidate for the Texas defensive line.

3. Cole Martin (2022 Offer)

Texas also extended offers to several 2022 recruits who could play the WDE position, one of whom was Cole Martin, a 6’5″, 230-pound prospect with an impressive combination of size and athleticism. Martin’s ability to rush the passer and make plays in the backfield earned him attention from a number of college programs, including Texas.

While Martin was primarily recruited to play as a defensive end, his high motor and agility allowed him to fit the profile of a WDE, which made him a valuable target in Texas’ recruiting efforts.

The role of the Weak-Side Defensive End in the Texas Longhorns’ defense in 2022 was a critical one. Texas sought to improve its pass rush, disrupt offenses, and create havoc on the edge of the line of scrimmage. Players like Ovie Oghoufo, T’Vondre Sweat, and Alfred Collins were instrumental in executing these goals, but the team also recognized the importance of bolstering the position through recruiting.

The 2022 recruiting cycle was an important one for Texas as they looked to build depth at the defensive line, particularly the WDE position. With promising recruits like Derrick Brown, Chris Ross, and Cole Martin, the Longhorns were focused on securing players who could contribute immediately and in the future to their defensive scheme.

As Texas continues to build and refine its defense under Steve Sarkisian and Pete Kwiatkowski, the Weak-Side Defensive End position will remain a key area of focus. The Longhorns’ ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and stop the run will be critical to the team’s success in the years to come. With a strong mix of veteran players and talented recruits, the Longhorns’ defense is poised for continued improvement in future seasons.