Texas Longhorns sophomore linebacker Malik Jefferson has been named a Preseason All-American by Sporting News. After such a remarkable and impressive debut season, this shouldn't come as much of a surprise to anyone.
Here's what Sporting News had to say about the 'Horns star linebacker:
It's a big year for Charlie Strong at Texas, and Jefferson is a reason for that optimism. He stepped in as a freshman with 61 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Jefferson is an instinctive linebacker who can deliver the big hit. Will he help elevate the Longhorns' defense to something more as a sophomore?
As a true freshman, Jefferson proved to be every bit as talented as the hype that preceded him and already drawn numerous raving reviews from NFL scouts, resulting in Freshman All-American honors. Luckily for Texas, NFL franchises still have to wait at least two more seasons to get their hands on a guy who's already among the very best linebackers in the nation.
The Longhorns are in position to take a considerable step in the right direction during the upcoming season and with Jefferson's defensive prowess and leadership, a defense that will have hoards of youth has a foundation to rely upon.