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Post-spring defensive depth chart

Big 12's best defense will need to find capable backups

Updated: April 5, 2012, 10:57 AM ET
By Carter Strickland | HornsNation
AUSTIN, Texas -- The hype that surrounds Texas' 2012 defense has not yet made its way to Manny Diaz.

But that is just a coach's nature. And the Longhorns defensive coordinator, despite having what appears to be the top 11 players on defense in the conference, remains nervous about not just his top 11 but the 22 after that. "You have to have a backup that can go in and the quality doesn't take a drop down," Diaz said.

In some areas -- defensive tackle -- Texas has that. In others -- linebacker -- it doesn't. That is why Diaz is so concerned. And he has five months to worry, massage the lineup and work with players to make sure that by the time September rolls around he has a two-deep with which he is comfortable.

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Carter Strickland | email

Reporter, HornsNation
  • Reporter for HornsNation
  • Covers Texas Longhorns sports and recruiting
  • Joined ESPN in 2011

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