Texas Football: Ranking the 5 Most Consistent Players on the Longhorns

In 2015, consistency will be a problem for the Longhorns, who lost a bunch of experienced talent at the end of last season. The guys who are left need to take a page out of Dylan Haines' book.

While also being the best players on the team, Malcom Brown, Jordan Hicks, John Harris and Quandre Diggs were models of consistent play last season, They showed up every day and did their jobs, dragging a flawed team to a bowl berth.

Now that they've moved on to the next level along with six other starters, the team's most talented players aren't necessarily their most consistent. Hassan Ridgeway can record one tackle just as easily as he can get two sacks, and Duke Thomas can pick off two passes in one game, then give up two touchdowns in the next.

This is just the state of the program as it reloads with young talent. 

Fortunately, there are some less talented guys who always seem to impact the game by playing smart, sound football. It's up to their more gifted teammates to follow the example these guys set.

1. S Dylan Haines

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Haines came out of nowhere to become one of Texas' most dependable players in 2014.

A former walk-on, safety Dylan Haines has been the portrait of consistency since being elevated into the starting lineup in 2014.

Haines made a name for himself with an interception in last season's spring game, and he hasn't looked back since. He ended up finishing third on the team in tackles, first in interceptions and second in both passes broken up and defended.

He's not explosive by any means, but Haines brings a great understanding of the game and simply gets himself in position to make a play. He held his own in every contest, which was a major reason the Horns tied for fourth in the nation in allowed yards per attempt, per CFBstats.com.

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Other than those impressive numbers, #Horns S Dylan Haines also didn't get exposed by Art Briles vs. Baylor, which is no easy task.

@SBN_Wescott, 14 Apr 2015

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A lot more will be placed on Haines' shoulders in 2015, but he'll be fine as long as he continues to finish plays like he did last season.

2. RG Kent Perkins

Credit: 247Sports

Perkins has lived up to the hype, becoming Texas' most dependable offensive lineman.

Kent Perkins has quietly been a really good lineman for the Longhorns, and he'll be an essential part of the turnaround Texas will try to pull off up front.

Unlike Haines, Perkins was expected to be a vital part of this team, and he's delivered. The former 4-star tackle, per 247Sports, has fit in nicely as a guard, but he has proven he can slide over to tackle when necessary.

Overall, Perkins has started the last 14 games for the Horns without any debate over his role whatsoever. 247Sports' Jeff Howe believes Perkins has NFL ability, and that should shine through now that this group has stabilized a bit.

3. C Taylor Doyle

Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press

Doyle emerged as a reliable option at both center and guard for the Longhorns in 2014.

A member of the Rimington Trophy watch list, Taylor Doyle has emerged as one of Texas' best linemen thanks to his smart, consistent play.

As with Perkins, Doyle has emerged as a reliable blocker up front who can move around when needed. The difference is that Doyle was probably never going to get his chance under Mack Brown, taking advantage of the regime change to take over the most cerebral position along the line.

Like the rest of this line, Doyle will benefit greatly from a full offseason of working with largely the same group of guys. Their chemistry will make a difference up front and make them better than they were in 2014.

4. RB Johnathan Gray

Sure, Johnathan Gray had eight games in which he rushed for less than 50 yards last season. But when he's healthy, there's not a more dependable player on this offense.

It took Gray eight games before he really looked right in 2014. Behind a patchwork offensive line, it was clear he didn't trust his change-of-direction coming off of an Achilles injury, admitting he wasn't himself until the West Virginia game.

From there, Gray tore it up, using a late-season surge to lead the team with seven rushing touchdowns.

So in spite of the uneven year, this is a guy who has averaged 4.7 yards per carry and was on pace to hit quadruple digits back in 2013. There's no other skill player whose resume comes even close to meeting that on this team.

5. S Jason Hall

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

A physical presence, Hall's versatility put the finishing touch on Texas' stingy 2014 defense.

Texas only gave up more than 300 passing yards once last season—the only game that quietly great freshman Jason Hall missed during the 2014 season.

As noted by 247Sports' Jeff Howe, Texas' hard-hitting freshman was one of the best in the country once he busted into the starting lineup. In nine games of regular action, he piled up 49 tackles and a sack, highlighted by a nine-tackle performance against West Virginia.

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Jason Hall can do a lot more than just thump. Nice ball skills to break up that TD.

@max_olson, 1 Nov 2014

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Hall can cover and hit with the best of them, two skills that made him the first freshman defensive back to start at Texas since 2008, according to the The Football Brainiacs' Andrew King. It's that versatility that allowed the Horns to handle Big 12 passing attacks without giving up physicality against the run, which was essential for one of the best defenses in the country.

Most would expect stars like Hassan Ridgeway and Duke Thomas to appear ahead of the freshman, but both have to prove they can be consistent on a down-by-down basis. Hall did that as a freshman, and he's only going to get better.

Unless otherwise noted, all stats and information courtesy of TexasSports.com.