The Best of the Mack Brown Era: All-Time Texas Defense (1998-2010)

To supplement every great offensive player at Texas, there was another equally outstanding defensive player for the Longhorns.  From the fantastic Thorpe-award winning secondary to the hardy defensive lineman that brought fear into the eyes of opposing quarterbacks, Mack Brown has recruited some elite defensive players to anchor his team.

Defensive Linemen: Sam Acho (2007-2010)

Sam Acho was one of those players who just kept playing.  In the face of adversity, when last year's 5-7 Texas squad was falling apart, Acho continued to be a bright spot on a team that had very few bright spots.  While other players practically seemed to fall apart as the season began to implode, Acho continued to shine, recording 59 tackles (17 of them for losses) and nine sacks en route to being selected as an All-American.  Acho was selected in the fourth round of this year's NFL draft and will start his rookie season for the Cardinals this coming fall.

Defensive Linemen: Brian Orakpo (2005-2008)

Brian Orakpo wrecked opposing quarterbacks.  Despite missing all or part of a couple of games his senior season, Orakpo was honored with the Nagurski Trophy, Lombardi Award and Hendricks Award and was tabbed First-Team All-American by multiple media outlets. 

Over the course of his career, Orakpo recorded 132 tackles (38 for loss), 22 sacks (tied for 10th in school history) and forced six fumbles.  As is to be expected with such a talented defensive end, Orakpo was selected 13th overall in the 2009 NFL draft by the Washington Redskins, where he quickly rose to the top of the depth chart and made an immediate impact.

Linebacker: Derrick Johnson (2001-2004)

A punishing linebacker during his days in the orange and white, Derrick Johnson will forever go down as one of the best, if not the best, linebacker in school history.  His 458 tackles rank third all-time in the UT record books, and his career 65 tackles-for-loss are a school record.

Johnson's saved his best year for last, as his senior season was a memorable one.  In addition to earning unanimous First-Team All-American honors, Johnson won both the Nagurski and the Butkus award and was named a finalist for numerous others.  Johnson forced nine fumbles that year, tying the NCAA single-season record in that statistic.

Honorable Mention: Sergio Kindle

Cornerback: Quentin Jammer (1997-2001)

You name every desirable quality in a cornerback, and Quentin Jammer had it.  Not only was he big, fast, strong and athletic, but he had an uncanny natural ability at pass coverage.  His 57 career pass breakups were a school record, and in 28 starts, he allowed only one touchdown reception.  Add to that seven career interceptions and 195 tackles, and you have a pure defensive machine.

In his senior season, Jammer became the first ever Longhorn to be named a Thorpe award finalist. Additionally, he was a unanimous First Team All-American selection before being picked fifth overall in the 2002 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers, where he has made multiple Pro Bowl appearances and continues to excel at his position.

Safety/Cornerback: Michael Huff (2002-2005)

Another great from the Longhorns' loaded 2002 recruiting class, Michael Huff established himself permanently among the Longhorn greats by becoming Texas' first ever Thorpe award winner his senior season (2005).  Over the course of his career, Huff recorded 318 tackles (26 for a loss), 44 pass breakups, seven interceptions, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

In addition to winning the Thorpe Award, Huff was tabbed a First Team All-American and won the 2006 Rose Bowl Defensive MVP award for his effort in the national title game (in which he recorded 12 tackles and recovered a fumble).

Cornerback: Aaron Ross (2003-2006)

Despite not being tabbed a full-time starter until his senior season, Aaron Ross created a name for himself in the college ranks by winning Texas' second consecutive Thorpe award in 2006.  In 51 career games, Ross recorded 205 tackles, 33 passes-broken-up, 10 interceptions, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.  Ross was also named a 1st-team All-American.

Today Ross is a starter in the New York Giants secondary, where he was a first round selection by the team in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Honorable Mention Defensive Backs: Cedric Griffin (2002-2005), Michael Griffin (2003-2005)