Texas adds 6-foot-6 defensive tackle in transfer portal

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian said after the Orange-White Spring Game that Texas didn't have enough big humans on the defensive line. Now, he's added Arizona Wildcats transfer Bill Norton to the room.
Carter Yates

After Texas's Orange-White Spring Game this Saturday, head coach Steve Sarkisian said the interiror defensive line didn't have the necessary depth. The Longhorns weren't ready to replace Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year T'Vondre Sweat and potential first-round NFL Draft selection Byron Murphy.

"We don't have enough bodies," Sarkisian said. "There's not enough big humans. I mean, it's simple math."

So Texas added 6-foot-6, 325-pound Arizona defensive tackle Bill Norton to the equation.

Norton spent four years as a reserve defensive lineman for the Georgia Bulldogs before transferring to Arizona ahead of the 2023 season. He finished with 31 tackles, three pass breakups and two forced fumbles as part of the nation's 25th-ranked rushing defense. Now, he reuintes with defensive tackle running mate Tiaoalii Savea, who transferred to Texas before spring practice.

Norton projects to be a key backup for returning players Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton. 

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