Texas Longhorns Future Star: Emmanuel Acho

The Longhorns are going through a bit of a transition on defense after losing such defensive stars (from last year) as Sergio Kindle, Lamarr Houston, and Earl Thomas.  If there is one thing about the Longhorns, it’s that they are able to replace key players on a yearly basis and this year it’s going to be no different.

Enter Emmanuel Acho.  Acho, an outside linebacker, is entering his junior season with the Longhorns in 2010.  It’s safe to say that Acho will step up and not only play better this year but will also get noticed much more by the media because of the absence of Sergio Kindle (drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2010 NFL Draft), who took most of the spotlight from Acho last season.

Having an opportunity to shine should help thrust Acho to the forefront of fan and media attention this season.  While some feel that there will be a drop off in talent with so many players gone (from last year’s team), Longhorns fans don’t need to worry.  Acho will be fully capable of handling whatever comes his way this season.

Acho will take over the leadership role on the Longhorns defense as well and should be able to be an effective leader both on and off the field.  That will be important for this defense in 2010.

Here are some of the highlights of Acho’s career and some facts that you may or may not have known about him.

Some of the awards and honors that he has won during his time with the Longhorns include being named an honorable mention All Big-12 selection in 2009, ranked in the top 150 prospects by ESPN (prior to entering college), and was named to the academic all Big-12 team. 

Acho has played in a total 24 games while with the Longhorns amassing two starts in those games.  He has also had 60 total tackles with 44 solo, two sacks, 10 tackles for a loss, four career forced fumbles, recovered two fumbles, had an interception, a pass break up and three quarterback pressures.

Incidentally, as a freshman, Acho played in 10 games at his natural position as well as on the Longhorns special teams unit.  He did suffer a knee injury that season as well and did miss a total of three games. 

Acho attended high school at St. Marks.  While in school he played in track and field, football and basketball.  He was named the state’s top linebacker (Dave Campbell’s Texas Football), named first team in Campbell’s Super Team, and helped lead his school to a Southwest Preparatory Conference Championship (as a senior).  Acho was named to the All-SPC team as a junior in high school. 

He was born in Dallas, Texas.

Look for Acho to be the star of the Longhorns defense this season as they prepare to make another run at the BCS Title and Big 12 history.  Fans of the Longhorns shouldn’t worry about a drop-off on defense this season and they just might even be better than last season’s squad.