Texas establishes safety rotation ahead of season opener against Texas State

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian identified four safeties expected to lead the defensive backfield as the Longhorns prepare for their season opener against the Texas State Bobcats. Seniors Jelani McDonald and Derek Williams, junior Kobe Black, and sophomore Jonah Williams comprise the primary group for the back end. Given the heat expected during the 2:30 p.m. kickoff at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, the coaching staff plans to rotate players throughout the game to maintain defensive depth. McDonald, a preseason third-team All-SEC selection, returns as a focal point of the secondary after recording 80 tackles and three interceptions last season. The coaching staff also continues to evaluate other personnel, including Xavier Filsaime and Jordon Johnson-Rubell, as they look to build on a defensive unit tasked with managing higher volume in challenging conditions.

• 6:44 PMYahoo Sports — Four Texas safeties have separated