Spring football is peaking from around the corner as February dissolves into March. The state of Texas is primed for a memorable year of football at the FBS level with Baylor and UTSA coming off conference championships, Houston returning most of its key players from a 12-2 squad, and Texas A&M loading up on five-star recruits. 

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football will look at the 10 best players at each position on the football field continuing with the defensive line. We began the series by examing the top 10 quarterbacks in the FBS ranks on Monday. 

Previous positions: QB | RB | WR | OL | TE | DL 

1. Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M

2021 review: 79 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 FR, 1 INT

2022 outlook: Johnson emerged as the state’s best defensive back after a standout sophomore campaign that earned him AP All-SEC second team and PFF All-America first team honors. Johnson started all 12 games as the nickelback. Johnson was second on the team with 79 tackles. He excels in coverage and as a run stopper. His ability to make plays in the backfield separate him from most defensive backs on the list. Johnson earned Defensive Mr. Dependable and Defensive Playmaker of the year at the team’s annual banquet. 

2. Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU

2021 review: 41 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 INT, 7 PBU, 2 FF

2022 outlook: Hodges-Tomlinson was a first-team All-Big 12 selection despite TCU ending the year with a losing record. It was the second consecutive season for him to earn those honors. The Horned Frogs’ defense struggled for most of the season, especially against the run, but Hodges-Tomlinson was a shining star on the back end. He played cornerback, and even moved to safety when injuries continued to mount. Hodges-Tomlinson led the team with seven pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He was sixth on the team in tackles. 

3. Gervarrius Owens, Houston 

2021 review: 52 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 INT, 3 PBU

2022 outlook: Owens was often overshadowed by teammate and fellow defensive back Marcus Jones. Owens, an Oklahoma native who is entering his senior season, was a first-team All-AAC selection after 2021. He’s a physical presence in the backend of the Houston defense who was fifth on the team in tackles and second on the team with two interceptions. An intelligent player who tends to be in the right spot, Owens is an anchor on the Third Ward Defense that helped propel Houston to a conference title game appearance and an 11-game winning streak during the regular season. 

4. Rashad Wisdom, UTSA

2021 review: 88 tackles, 4 TFL, 6 PBU, 1 FF

2022 outlook: Wisdom, who only stands at 5-foot-9, continues to outplay his physical stature for the Roadrunners. He was named to the first-team All-Conference USA team for the second consecutive time after leading UTSA in tackles. Wisdom is the leader of the defense and an emotional catalyst for the Roadrunners football program. He, Frank Harris, and Sincere McCormick helped UTSA become a destination for local prospects in the San Antonio area, and he helped the Roadrunners to a 12-2 record and a Conference USA championship. 

5. Tyree Chappell, Texas A&M 

2021 review: 41 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 INT, 9 PBU

2022 outlook: Chappell was awarded Defensive Freshman of the Year honors by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football following the 2021 season. He was also named to the SEC Coaches’ All-Freshman Team. Chappell found himself starting eight times as a cornerback as a freshman. He led the Aggies and was in the top-five of the SEC, with nine pass breakups. The team awarded him Defensive Newcomer of the Year at the annual team banquet. 

6. Demani Richardson, Texas A&M 

2021 review: 65 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF

2022 outlook: If it hasn’t become clear, the Texas A&M secondary is going to be loaded in 2022. Three of the five starters are on this list, and cornerback Jaylon Jones made a strong case to give the Aggies four of the best 10 defensive backs in the Lone Star State for 2022. Richardson is a tough, smart ballhawk who flies to the football and rarely takes a wrong step in coverage. He was third on the team in tackles despite only playing in nine games. The Waxahachie native is the enforcer on the back end for the Aggies. 

7. Dennis Barnes, UTEP

2021 review: 59 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 INT, 3 PBU

2022 outlook: Barnes was quietly one of the best nickel safeties in the entire state of Texas during the 2021 season, helping UTEP reach a bowl game for the second time in the last 10 years. He led the Miners with 59 tackles and was named honorable mention All-Conference USA for his efforts. He also averaged 17.5 yards a return on kickoffs. Barnes began his college career at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas before transferring to UTEP prior to the 2020 season. 

8. Zion Childress, Texas State 

2021 review: 74 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 INT, 5 PBU, 2 FF

2022 outlook: The Texas State secondary was subpar for most of the 2021 season. One player who stood out was Childress, a freshman from New Caney, who started six starts as a nickelback. He ranked fifth on the team in tackles despite not earning the starting role for all 12 games. Childress, who played quarterback in high school, should be a key component for a Texas State program that needs to reach a bowl game in 2022. 

9. Gabe Taylor, Rice 

2021 review: 56 tackles, 1 TFL, 3 INT, 5 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF

2022 outlook: Taylor was an honorable mention pick for Conference USA. His best game of the year was Oct. 25 in an upset win over UAB. Taylor earned C-USA Defensive Player of the Week thanks to a 10-tackle performance that included a forced fumble and a key pass breakup late in the game. Taylor led the team with 44 unassisted tackles and was second on the squad with three interceptions. He’s poised for a big sophomore campaign. 

10. D’Shawn Jamison, Texas

2021 review: 48 tackles, 1 INT, 1 FR

2022 outlook: Jamison possesses the type of talent to be an all-conference performer at cornerback for the Longhorns, but he’ll need to hold off young guns such as Ryan Watts and Terrence Brooks to remain a starter at cornerback. A move to safety might be the best way to utilize Jamison’s range and athleticism. He’s one of the best returners in college football and is capable of highlight-reel plays as a defensive back.