Desmond Jackson will make his first start at defensive tackle for the Texas Longhorns on Saturday against New Mexico.
The sophomore had two tackles, including one for loss in the series opener against Wyoming.
"We just felt like he had more flash plays," Texas defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said. "We're a bit of the mindset that we have four starters at defensive tackle and who plays the first play isn't necessarily the most important thing, but we did think that Desmond was a little bit more productive, and Desmond plays extremely hard." Jackson jumped Brandon Moore on the depth chart. Moore, a transfer from Alabama, assisted on two tackles for loss against Wyoming.
Jackson appeared in all 13 games last season as a freshman, recording 10 tackles and two sacks.
"He really is made for what we talk about in terms of penetrating, getting across the line of scrimmage," Diaz said. "But it doesn't mean anything against any of the other guys. We felt just Desmond had to be awarded for some of the plays he made on Saturday."
Jackson and the rest of the Texas defense faces a stiff challenge on Saturday against a New Mexico team that ran for 347 yards and five touchdowns to beat Southern, 66-21, last weekend.
By Austin Laymance/Special to the Star-Telegram
The sophomore had two tackles, including one for loss in the series opener against Wyoming.
"We just felt like he had more flash plays," Texas defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said. "We're a bit of the mindset that we have four starters at defensive tackle and who plays the first play isn't necessarily the most important thing, but we did think that Desmond was a little bit more productive, and Desmond plays extremely hard." Jackson jumped Brandon Moore on the depth chart. Moore, a transfer from Alabama, assisted on two tackles for loss against Wyoming.
Jackson appeared in all 13 games last season as a freshman, recording 10 tackles and two sacks.
"He really is made for what we talk about in terms of penetrating, getting across the line of scrimmage," Diaz said. "But it doesn't mean anything against any of the other guys. We felt just Desmond had to be awarded for some of the plays he made on Saturday."
Jackson and the rest of the Texas defense faces a stiff challenge on Saturday against a New Mexico team that ran for 347 yards and five touchdowns to beat Southern, 66-21, last weekend.
By Austin Laymance/Special to the Star-Telegram
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