Texas Longhorns Stars of the Week: UTEP Miners

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Despite the relatively frustrating performance, there were some players who shined through this weekend for the Longhorns. The offense has yet to find a rhythm, but I think they found a clear positive among the negatives. The defense had stars all over the field, as they often do, but there are three guys that stood out to me Saturday. 

Jelani McDonald 

This, to me, was the player of the game for the Longhorns. McDonald totalled 6 tackles and reeled in his second career INT and first of the season. His confidence and ability on the backend has made him and Taaffe the two staples of the Texas defense, playing just about every snap this season. McDonald, stepping in for Andrew Mukuba, had big shoes to fill, and he has continued to improve every week. If he continues putting up performances like he did Saturday, the Texas defense will continue to be suffocating. 

Ethan Burke 

Ethan Burke came into this year as someone that needed to step for the Texas defense to reach its potential. Saturday, he played as well as he has in quite a while, racking up 5 tackles, a pressure and some really incredible run defense throughout the game. He is someone that can open up so much for the Texas defense, namely Anthony Hill and Colin Simmons in the pass rush. Burke continues to develop and if he can put up similar performances going forward, the Texas pass rush will continue to be a factor. 

Liona Lefau 

The leading tackler on the day for the Longhorns was Liona Lefau. Lefau has become one of the most consistent players on the Texas defense through three weeks this season. He totalled 7 tackles, including a TFL, in the UTEP game and put up two great performances against Ohio State and San Jose State as well. Lefau has been one of the best run defending LBs in the country thus far, and he built off it again this weekend. He will continue to grow and the Texas defense can be much more varied because of it. 

Ryan Niblett 

The massive plus coming out of this weekend, in my eyes, was special teams. Mason Shipley and Jack Bouwmeester continue to impress, but this weekend, it was Ryan Niblett and the return game. Niblett had two kick returns for 43 yards, but in the punt return game, he took one back 49-yards to set up the first Texas FG. If he can become a consistent returner, the Texas offense should be getting a nice boost in the field position battle. Sarkisian has said Niblett will continue to play a role in the Texas offense, in the slot and as a “gadget” player. It started Saturday, but the hope is it continues and then some over the next few weeks. 

James Simon 

This may be the sole positive coming out of the offensive performance, but it is an encouraging one. James Simon, the true freshman, took over as the main RB in the second half and went for 67 yards on 17 carries, leading the Longhorns in rushing. His ability to get “dirty yards” stood out to me, as the Texas OL did not have their best day run blocking. He was able to continue to get positive results, only having two negative rushes on the day. If he is given more reps and better blocking up front, he’s showing early signs of being the next great Longhorn RB.

Follow us on X/Twitter at @LonghornsWire.

This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: McDonald, Burke, Niblett top stars of the Texas win over UTEP



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