3 players that could wear the helmet communication device for Texas defense ft. David Gbenda
For Texas and others, the new helmet communication devices should streamline college football strategy and implementation. No longer will players have to stare to the sideline for last-second instruction. Offensively, it's presumably the quarterback who will have the benefit of communicating directly with the coach. But on defense? Here are 3 Texas players who could have the device on D.
3 players that could wear the helmet communication device for Texas defense
#1.David Gbenda, WLB
Gbenda fits a couple of the most obvious qualities for this role. He's a senior with plenty of experience, having now played in 32 games at Texas. He was the fourth leading tackler on last season's team with 50 stops. He's also playing in the relative middle of the defense, which seems ideal for being able to relay instructions.
Gbenda is familiar with the Texas staff and the game plan. He's a veteran and a solid contributor and should be able to relay instrucitons quickly to teammates. He seems like a solid pick to wear the helmet communication device.
#2. Jahdae Barron, STAR
Barron is another guy who fits the mode of a player who could be a logical fit wearing the helmet communication device. He's another senior. He started 12 games last year and finished third on the team with 60 tackles.
His STAR position is a hybrid extra linebacker/safety. That does leave him a bit more distant from the line of scrimmage, but should still give him a reasonably solid vantage point to communicate last second shifts or changes to teammates. Like Gbenda, he's another veteran who knows this system and staff very well. If not for him playing a bit more toward the secondary, he might be the favorite here.
#3. Anthony Hill, MLB
The middle linebacker is often the captain of the defense, which makes it a likely spot for the helmet communication device. Furthermore, this middle linebacker is an excellent one. His 67 tackles were second-most last year, and are the most by any returning UT player.
But Hill is only a sophomore. Granted, he was chosen as a freshman All-American as a true freshman off his impressive 2023 campaign. But he's only had a year of experience with coach Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski.
The lack of experience aside, Hill otherwise checks the boxes as a likely suspect. He's physically in the middle of the defense, is a big-time player, and plainly understands the game very well.
Which defensive player would you trust with the helmet communication device for Texas? Share your thoughts and best guesses on which defender will be "wired up" below in our comments section!