Photo by: Manny Flores
Position Group Breakdowns: Linebackers
4/6/2020 12:56:00 PM | Football
DENTON – The Mean Green had a young, talented, yet inexperienced linebacking corps in 2019, but the experience gained last year is a plus heading into 2020. Galen Scott enters year two as the group's position coach under new defensive coordinator Clint Bowen. We take a deep dive into the linebacker room in this edition of position group breakdowns.
"We've got a lot of guys returning that played a lot last year and then with some young guys that we redshirted and some guys that were in backup roles last year, I'm excited about my room. I think we've got a lot of talent, some of which is unproven, but it is my job to [continue to] develop them and get them going a little bit. I think we'll have more depth and I think we'll have more competition at certain positions, which will make for everybody improving and getting better."
Outgoing:
Four linebackers from last season's roster have moved on, three of which graduated, and another who decided to transfer for his final year of eligibility.
Jamie King was a quarterback at his previous school and arrived in Denton as a tight end. He spent his final two seasons at jack linebacker, making 10 starts over his final two seasons with the Mean Green (25 appearances). He totaled 54 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, four pass break-ups and a fumble recovery.
Also graduating following the 2019 season were Mike Linehan (22 career appearances and one start) and Williams LeMasters (31 career appearances and one start). Linehan, who transferred to UNT from Idaho, finished with 20 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. LeMasters finished with 24 total tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss, an interception and four pass break-ups. The pair factored in significantly on special teams as well.
Tim Faison, who missed the majority of 2019 due to injury, transferred to West Florida during the offseason. He finished with three career tackles in 12 appearances for the Mean Green.
New Faces:
There are just two new names in the linebacker room, both of which will join the program in the fall.
Jordan Brown – freshman (arriving in the fall) – Huntsville, Texas (Huntsville HS)
Brown was ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and a top-100 outside linebacker in the nation by the service. Brown, who measures at 6'0" and 200 pounds, recorded 126 total tackles (81 solo), 5.0 sacks, three interceptions and three forced fumbles during his senior season at Huntsville High School. Brown was named 2019 District 10-5A Co-Defensive Player of the Year.
Jacobi Johnson – freshman (arriving in the fall) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Midwest City HS)
Johnson was also rated a three-star prospect according to 247Sports, as well as ESPN and the 247Sports Composite ranking system has Johnson as the 15th ranked player in the state of Oklahoma and No. 76 outside linebacker in the country. Johnson was named the 2019 District Defensive Player of the Year following his senior season, where he totaled 93 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, six quarterback hurries and three pass break-ups. A multi-sport athlete who measures at 6'3" and 230 pounds, Johnson also lettered in basketball and track and field. Johnson was also a standout in the classroom, and was a National Honor Society member.
Returners:
#23 KD Davis – junior – Ennis, Texas (Ennis HS)
KD Davis made the leap as a starter at will linebacker in 2019, finishing as the team's leading tackler with 88 total stops, 7.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, a pair of fumble recoveries and a pass break-up in 12 appearances, 11 of which were starts. Davis flies around the field and is a fundamentally sound tackler who really excelled in Scott's system last year, his first with extended playing time at the collegiate level. As a true freshman in 2018, Davis was primarily a special teams contributor, finishing with five stops.
"I feel like with Coach Scott and the players we have in our group, we're going to be really good [in 2020]. Last year was our first year together and we've grown closer to each other and to Coach Scott. The entire group is getting bigger, faster and stronger and each one of us puts our all into everything we do. This upcoming season will be special for our position group."
#5 Tyreke Davis – senior – Denton, Texas (Ryan HS)
Tyreke Davis made the switch from nickel to mike linebacker and made a big impact defensively for the Mean Green. Davis finished as the team's second-leading tackler with 80 total stops with a team-high 14.0 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, a fumble recovery and a pass-breakup. Davis started 11 of the 12 games he appeared in 2019. The Denton native has 147 career tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, an interception, a fumble recovery and a pair of pass break-ups in his three seasons at UNT. The combination of Davis and Davis proved fruitful in 2019, and is expected to again yield strong results at both inside linebacker spots.
"One thing we say is 'it doesn't have to be on you, it's got to be in you,' which emphasizes that while we weren't the biggest, we are some dogs when we step on the field. Our room is closer than we've ever been in my opinion. Everyone pushes each other and I think we've seen that over daybreaks and this spring. Going forward, I think we're going to be really successful."
#32 Joe Ozougwu – redshirt senior – Alief, Texas (Taylor HS)
Ozougwu took on a more prominent role in 2019 from the jack linebacker position, appearing in 10 games (nine of which were starts) and finished with 42 total tackles with 5.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and a pass break-up. He is a former all-freshman team selection by Conference USA and has continued to grow as a pass rusher across his career in Denton. He has totaled 87 career tackles, 17.0 tackles for loss to go along with 7.5 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles in 34 appearances.
"I feel great about this season and getting to show more versatility with Coach Bowen. Our position coach, Coach Scott, preaches for us to have the best linebacker unit in the nation, which is our goal right now. We're also focused on bringing everyone up, so we are better [overall] as a group."
#21 Kevin Wood – sophomore – Converse, Texas (Judson HS)
Wood made an impact during his true freshman season, forcing his way onto the field. Wood, who is changing his jersey number from 38 to 21, finished 2019 with 17 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, a pair of fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. Wood, who measures at 6'0" and 205 pounds, was a physical presence both at linebacker and as a contributor on special teams. Wood, a heavy hitter out of Converse Judson High School, is poised to take another leap heading into his second season in Denton.
"I feel like we have a great opportunity in front of us. Everyone in the room has bought in to what Coach Bowen is saying, so there should be plenty of opportunities for a lot of us to make plays this fall. Even though we lost some veteran guys like Jamie King, Mike Linehan and Will LeMasters, we still have guys like KD and Tyreke stepping up. As a whole, we have one goal. And that's to bring a championship to Denton."
#30 Larry Nixon III – redshirt sophomore – North Richland Hills, Texas (Richland HS)
Nixon, like Wood, will be wearing a different jersey number in the fall of 2020, swapping the number 43 he's worn for the past two years, for 30. Nixon recorded 17 total tackles with a forced fumble and a pass break-up in 2019 in 10 appearances. Nixon made one appearance, in the New Mexico Bowl in 2018 on special teams, where he excelled in 2019 as well. Nixon has good size at 6'0" and 234 pounds and has made positive strides across his first two seasons in Denton.
#25 Chris Thornton – redshirt junior – Amarillo, Texas (Palo Duro HS)
Thornton was a contributor on special teams in 2019, appearing in 11 games and making five tackles. It marked the first time he has seen action during his North Texas career after redshirting in 2017, and not appearing in 2018. Thornton, who measures at 6'1" and 220 pounds, will be expected to provide depth at linebacker, while potentially expanding his role on special teams.
#35 Gabriel Murphy – redshirt freshman – Dallas, Texas (Bishop Lynch HS)
Gabriel Murphy redshirted in 2019, and appeared in just four games. Murphy made one tackle and forced a fumble, spending the majority of his time on the field as a special teamer. Murphy measures at 6'2" and 216 pounds, and was originally a three-star prospect out of Bishop Lynch High School, according to 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals. As a senior, Murphy had 89 total tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and one interception.
#42 Grayson Murphy – redshirt freshman – Dallas, Texas (Bishop Lynch HS)
Grayson Murphy, like his twin brother, redshirted in 2019, also appeared in four games last season, all on special teams. Murphy measures at 6'2" and 219 pounds, and was also a three-star prospect according to 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals. As a senior at Bishop Lynch High School, had 79 total tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, six forced fumbles and three interceptions.
#37 Taylor Jacobs – redshirt freshman – Grand Prairie, Texas (South Grand Prairie HS)
Jacobs also redshirted in 2019, his first season in Denton and did not appear in any games. Originally a three-star prospect according to 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals, Jacobs was a top-75 inside linebacker in the nation according to 247Sports. He was named a 7-6A first team all-district selection in 2017. Jacobs was a multi-sport athlete at South Grand Prairie High School, also competing in track as a hurdler and sprinter. Jacobs, along with the Murphy twins, provide a lot of athleticism at the position, providing better depth for Scott and Bowen.
#38 Hayden Harrison – redshirt senior – Wolfforth, Texas (Frenship HS)
Harrison has been a key fixture on special teams in each of the past two seasons. In 2019, Harrison appeared in all 12 games and recorded three tackles and forced a fumble (in the homecoming win over UTEP on 11/2). Harrison will also be wearing a different jersey number in 2020, swapping No. 59 for No. 38.
#41 Jordan Hunt – redshirt sophomore – Wylie, Texas (Wylie HS)
Hunt made his collegiate debut last season in Ruston against Louisiana Tech, which remains his lone career appearance thus far for the Mean Green. Hunt was a standout at Wylie High School, posting 177 total tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and recovered a fumble over his final two seasons at Wylie. At 6'2" and 210 pounds, Hunt brings athleticism and size to the position.
"We've got a lot of guys returning that played a lot last year and then with some young guys that we redshirted and some guys that were in backup roles last year, I'm excited about my room. I think we've got a lot of talent, some of which is unproven, but it is my job to [continue to] develop them and get them going a little bit. I think we'll have more depth and I think we'll have more competition at certain positions, which will make for everybody improving and getting better."
Outgoing:
Four linebackers from last season's roster have moved on, three of which graduated, and another who decided to transfer for his final year of eligibility.
Jamie King was a quarterback at his previous school and arrived in Denton as a tight end. He spent his final two seasons at jack linebacker, making 10 starts over his final two seasons with the Mean Green (25 appearances). He totaled 54 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, four pass break-ups and a fumble recovery.
Also graduating following the 2019 season were Mike Linehan (22 career appearances and one start) and Williams LeMasters (31 career appearances and one start). Linehan, who transferred to UNT from Idaho, finished with 20 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. LeMasters finished with 24 total tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss, an interception and four pass break-ups. The pair factored in significantly on special teams as well.
Tim Faison, who missed the majority of 2019 due to injury, transferred to West Florida during the offseason. He finished with three career tackles in 12 appearances for the Mean Green.
New Faces:
There are just two new names in the linebacker room, both of which will join the program in the fall.
Jordan Brown – freshman (arriving in the fall) – Huntsville, Texas (Huntsville HS)
Brown was ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and a top-100 outside linebacker in the nation by the service. Brown, who measures at 6'0" and 200 pounds, recorded 126 total tackles (81 solo), 5.0 sacks, three interceptions and three forced fumbles during his senior season at Huntsville High School. Brown was named 2019 District 10-5A Co-Defensive Player of the Year.
Jacobi Johnson – freshman (arriving in the fall) – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Midwest City HS)
Johnson was also rated a three-star prospect according to 247Sports, as well as ESPN and the 247Sports Composite ranking system has Johnson as the 15th ranked player in the state of Oklahoma and No. 76 outside linebacker in the country. Johnson was named the 2019 District Defensive Player of the Year following his senior season, where he totaled 93 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, six quarterback hurries and three pass break-ups. A multi-sport athlete who measures at 6'3" and 230 pounds, Johnson also lettered in basketball and track and field. Johnson was also a standout in the classroom, and was a National Honor Society member.
Returners:
#23 KD Davis – junior – Ennis, Texas (Ennis HS)
KD Davis made the leap as a starter at will linebacker in 2019, finishing as the team's leading tackler with 88 total stops, 7.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, a pair of fumble recoveries and a pass break-up in 12 appearances, 11 of which were starts. Davis flies around the field and is a fundamentally sound tackler who really excelled in Scott's system last year, his first with extended playing time at the collegiate level. As a true freshman in 2018, Davis was primarily a special teams contributor, finishing with five stops.
"I feel like with Coach Scott and the players we have in our group, we're going to be really good [in 2020]. Last year was our first year together and we've grown closer to each other and to Coach Scott. The entire group is getting bigger, faster and stronger and each one of us puts our all into everything we do. This upcoming season will be special for our position group."
#5 Tyreke Davis – senior – Denton, Texas (Ryan HS)
Tyreke Davis made the switch from nickel to mike linebacker and made a big impact defensively for the Mean Green. Davis finished as the team's second-leading tackler with 80 total stops with a team-high 14.0 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, a fumble recovery and a pass-breakup. Davis started 11 of the 12 games he appeared in 2019. The Denton native has 147 career tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, an interception, a fumble recovery and a pair of pass break-ups in his three seasons at UNT. The combination of Davis and Davis proved fruitful in 2019, and is expected to again yield strong results at both inside linebacker spots.
"One thing we say is 'it doesn't have to be on you, it's got to be in you,' which emphasizes that while we weren't the biggest, we are some dogs when we step on the field. Our room is closer than we've ever been in my opinion. Everyone pushes each other and I think we've seen that over daybreaks and this spring. Going forward, I think we're going to be really successful."
#32 Joe Ozougwu – redshirt senior – Alief, Texas (Taylor HS)
Ozougwu took on a more prominent role in 2019 from the jack linebacker position, appearing in 10 games (nine of which were starts) and finished with 42 total tackles with 5.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and a pass break-up. He is a former all-freshman team selection by Conference USA and has continued to grow as a pass rusher across his career in Denton. He has totaled 87 career tackles, 17.0 tackles for loss to go along with 7.5 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles in 34 appearances.
"I feel great about this season and getting to show more versatility with Coach Bowen. Our position coach, Coach Scott, preaches for us to have the best linebacker unit in the nation, which is our goal right now. We're also focused on bringing everyone up, so we are better [overall] as a group."
#21 Kevin Wood – sophomore – Converse, Texas (Judson HS)
Wood made an impact during his true freshman season, forcing his way onto the field. Wood, who is changing his jersey number from 38 to 21, finished 2019 with 17 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, a pair of fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. Wood, who measures at 6'0" and 205 pounds, was a physical presence both at linebacker and as a contributor on special teams. Wood, a heavy hitter out of Converse Judson High School, is poised to take another leap heading into his second season in Denton.
"I feel like we have a great opportunity in front of us. Everyone in the room has bought in to what Coach Bowen is saying, so there should be plenty of opportunities for a lot of us to make plays this fall. Even though we lost some veteran guys like Jamie King, Mike Linehan and Will LeMasters, we still have guys like KD and Tyreke stepping up. As a whole, we have one goal. And that's to bring a championship to Denton."
#30 Larry Nixon III – redshirt sophomore – North Richland Hills, Texas (Richland HS)
Nixon, like Wood, will be wearing a different jersey number in the fall of 2020, swapping the number 43 he's worn for the past two years, for 30. Nixon recorded 17 total tackles with a forced fumble and a pass break-up in 2019 in 10 appearances. Nixon made one appearance, in the New Mexico Bowl in 2018 on special teams, where he excelled in 2019 as well. Nixon has good size at 6'0" and 234 pounds and has made positive strides across his first two seasons in Denton.
#25 Chris Thornton – redshirt junior – Amarillo, Texas (Palo Duro HS)
Thornton was a contributor on special teams in 2019, appearing in 11 games and making five tackles. It marked the first time he has seen action during his North Texas career after redshirting in 2017, and not appearing in 2018. Thornton, who measures at 6'1" and 220 pounds, will be expected to provide depth at linebacker, while potentially expanding his role on special teams.
#35 Gabriel Murphy – redshirt freshman – Dallas, Texas (Bishop Lynch HS)
Gabriel Murphy redshirted in 2019, and appeared in just four games. Murphy made one tackle and forced a fumble, spending the majority of his time on the field as a special teamer. Murphy measures at 6'2" and 216 pounds, and was originally a three-star prospect out of Bishop Lynch High School, according to 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals. As a senior, Murphy had 89 total tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and one interception.
#42 Grayson Murphy – redshirt freshman – Dallas, Texas (Bishop Lynch HS)
Grayson Murphy, like his twin brother, redshirted in 2019, also appeared in four games last season, all on special teams. Murphy measures at 6'2" and 219 pounds, and was also a three-star prospect according to 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals. As a senior at Bishop Lynch High School, had 79 total tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, six forced fumbles and three interceptions.
#37 Taylor Jacobs – redshirt freshman – Grand Prairie, Texas (South Grand Prairie HS)
Jacobs also redshirted in 2019, his first season in Denton and did not appear in any games. Originally a three-star prospect according to 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals, Jacobs was a top-75 inside linebacker in the nation according to 247Sports. He was named a 7-6A first team all-district selection in 2017. Jacobs was a multi-sport athlete at South Grand Prairie High School, also competing in track as a hurdler and sprinter. Jacobs, along with the Murphy twins, provide a lot of athleticism at the position, providing better depth for Scott and Bowen.
#38 Hayden Harrison – redshirt senior – Wolfforth, Texas (Frenship HS)
Harrison has been a key fixture on special teams in each of the past two seasons. In 2019, Harrison appeared in all 12 games and recorded three tackles and forced a fumble (in the homecoming win over UTEP on 11/2). Harrison will also be wearing a different jersey number in 2020, swapping No. 59 for No. 38.
#41 Jordan Hunt – redshirt sophomore – Wylie, Texas (Wylie HS)
Hunt made his collegiate debut last season in Ruston against Louisiana Tech, which remains his lone career appearance thus far for the Mean Green. Hunt was a standout at Wylie High School, posting 177 total tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and recovered a fumble over his final two seasons at Wylie. At 6'2" and 210 pounds, Hunt brings athleticism and size to the position.
Players Mentioned
LB
/ Football
S
/ Football
LB
/ Football
LB
/ Football
LB
/ Football
LB
/ Football
LB
/ Football
LB
/ Football
LB
/ Football
LB
/ Football
LB
/ Football
LB
/ Football
LB
/ Football
LB
/ Football
LB
/ FootballEric Morris Weekly Press Conference vs. Washington State | Mean Green FB
Tuesday, September 09
Broadcast Highlights vs Western Michigan | Mean Green Football
Monday, September 08
Recap vs Western Michigan | Mean Green FB '25
Monday, September 08
Eric Morris Weekly Press Conference vs. Western Michigan| Mean Green FB
Tuesday, September 02