Three Longhorns under the most pressure in 2022

The expectations for Texas’ 2022 season are far and wide the most diverse of any team across the country.

While some are predicting the Longhorns to be a dark horse playoff contender, others are expecting a disappointing season in year two of the Steve Sarkisian era.

Regardless of where you stand on how Texas will do in 2022, there are certain players whether they be new additions or old faces that will need to perform at an elite level this upcoming season in order for the team to thrive.

The Longhorns had an abundance of issues last season, whether it be the offensive line, defensive line, or even the inconsistencies at quarterback that they hope will be resolved in 2022.

With all of this being taken into consideration, there are three Longhorns that are facing the absolute most pressure to succeed in 2022.

First, Texas’ leader on defense

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DeMarvion Overshown, LB

After once being considered a first round pick prior to last season, Overshown didn’t have the year he had planned. He has shown flashes of being a savvy linebacker after making the move down from safety, but he didn’t quite have the impact that many were expecting in 2021.

While the defensive line played a huge role in opposing running backs getting to the second level, Overshown needs to have more of a presence when it comes to stopping the run. He may also need to step up as the team’s pass rusher if given the chance, as Texas doesn’t have a single proven pass rusher on the roster which hurt them immensely. He has the athleticism and the wherewithal to be a star, he just needs to put the pieces together.

He decided to return for a fifth season, and as the leader of a defense that needs to take major strides he also needs to show improvement in order for Texas to be better on that side of the ball.

Next, the heart and soul of Texas’ offense

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Bijan Robinson, RB

While Bijan Robinson has consistently produced and been one of the best players in the sport, that doesn’t mean he is not under pressure. The Longhorn running back needs to continue to be the anchor of this offense, as there will be an inexperienced quarterback regardless of who wins the job.

Robinson does need some help from the offensive line, as in majority of the losses suffered last season he was contained by a stifling rush defense. Texas needs to figure out how to get the ball in his hands by any means necessary, as he will take the pressure off the rest of the offense.

Finally, the top newcomer

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Quinn Ewers, QB

This should also come as no surprise, but assuming Quinn Ewers wins the starting job over Hudson Card, he will have the eyes of the country watching him. Being a former No. 1 overall recruit who held a perfect rating is pressure in itself, but being the quarterback at the University of Texas is just fuel added to the fire.

Ewers has to grow up quickly as the Longhorns have a dangerous, season-altering matchup Week 2 against Alabama. If Texas has any chance of winning this game, or more realistically competing in the Big 12, it will come down to how good Ewers can be in his first real chance at being the starting quarterback in college.

Sarkisian went out and got Ewers a ton of weapons to throw to, but it will come down to him making the right play and staying within himself. We all know he has a generational arm, but there are moments when showing that off are necessary and times when it isn’t. Aside from feeling pressured by the country, he will also likely be feeling pressure from the opponents pass rushers as the Texas offensive line is still very much a work in progress. His pocket presence and awareness will need to be on point from the jump in order to be able to get this offense going.

This is a lot of pressure for a freshman, but he earned the ranking for a reason now he just needs to put his skillset on display.