As the Texas Longhorns prepare for their upcoming season, the team is making significant adjustments to its linebacker corps following the recent dismissal of Ty'Anthony Smith. This situation has paved the way for Colton Vasek, a senior linebacker from Westlake High School in Austin, to seize a new opportunity within the squad.
Vasek, who stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 252 pounds, has made a modest impact on the field, recording 10 tackles and two sacks over 24 appearances in the past two seasons. His contributions have primarily come from the edge position, but with Smith's departure, the Longhorns find themselves in a precarious situation with only seven scholarship linebackers remaining on the roster. Among these, three are freshmen, and none have prior experience playing linebacker for Texas.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian's decision to dismiss Smith for conduct detrimental to the team has left a gap in the lineup that Vasek will need to fill. The only returning scholarship linebacker from last season is senior Brad Spence, who has primarily played as a reserve edge rusher. Additionally, junior safety Jordan Johnson-Rubell has been taking practice reps at linebacker, further highlighting the team's need for depth and experience in this critical position.
With the Longhorns set to face Texas State in their season opener, Sarkisian has indicated that Vasek's versatility will be crucial. He mentioned that Vasek will likely play a hybrid role, contributing significantly as an edge rusher while also adapting to the linebacker position. This adaptability is particularly important in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), known for its diverse offensive schemes.
"In some of our packages, he’ll play kind of a hybrid," Sarkisian stated. "But he’s going to play a ton of edge for us, for sure." This approach is designed to enhance the team's defensive capabilities, allowing them to better match up against various offensive styles they will encounter throughout the season.
As the Longhorns look to strengthen their defense, center Connor Robertson has praised Vasek's work ethic and potential. The two players previously teamed up at Westlake, where Vasek was a standout edge rusher. Robertson emphasized that Vasek's hard work and dedication have set a positive tone for the team, and he is hopeful that Vasek will get the chance to showcase his skills this fall.
Vasek's journey has not been without challenges. He faced limitations due to a back injury during his freshman season, but he demonstrated his potential during the Longhorns' spring game earlier this year. His performance in that setting has raised expectations for his contributions in the upcoming season.
Despite being a quiet presence off the field, Vasek's roots run deep in Texas football. His father, Brian Vasek, was a notable player at Smithville High School before playing for the Longhorns in the early 1990s. This legacy adds to the pressure and pride Vasek carries as he steps into a more prominent role within the Texas football program.
As the Longhorns gear up for their matchup against Texas State, all eyes will be on Colton Vasek to see how he adapts to his new responsibilities and contributes to a defense that is looking to make a statement in the SEC.
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