Today’s countdown number belongs to a pair of defensive tackles from two very different eras of Texas football.

One helped bridge the gap from the Southwest Conference to the Big 12. The other took one of the most unusual paths to success in recent Longhorn history.

1. Chris Whaley (2009-13)

Chris Whaley arrived at Texas as a highly regarded running back, but injuries and roster needs eventually led him to defensive tackle.

The move paid off.

Whaley became a key contributor on the defensive line and served as a team captain during the 2013 season. He finished his career with 67 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and three sacks across 47 games.

His most memorable accomplishment came in 2013 when he scored two defensive touchdowns, becoming the first Texas defensive tackle ever to return two fumbles for touchdowns in the same season.

For a player who began his career carrying the football, it’s fitting that some of his biggest moments came with the ball in his hands.

2. Chris Akins (1994-97)

Akins was a steady presence on the defensive front during one of the most important transitional periods in Texas football history.

A three-year letterman and senior starter, he helped the Longhorns capture the final Southwest Conference championship in 1995 before helping Texas win the first Big 12 Championship in program history the following season.

Akins’ play earned him an opportunity at the next level, where he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1998 NFL Draft.

While his name may not be as widely remembered today, he was an important piece of some significant Texas teams during the mid-1990s.

 

No. 96 isn’t the deepest number in Texas history, but both players left their mark on the program in unique ways.

Lokey!!!

11 hours ago, Blake Munroe said:

Today’s countdown number belongs to a pair of defensive tackles from two very different eras of Texas football.

One helped bridge the gap from the Southwest Conference to the Big 12. The other took one of the most unusual paths to success in recent Longhorn history.

1. Chris Whaley (2009-13)

Chris Whaley arrived at Texas as a highly regarded running back, but injuries and roster needs eventually led him to defensive tackle.

The move paid off.

Whaley became a key contributor on the defensive line and served as a team captain during the 2013 season. He finished his career with 67 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and three sacks across 47 games.

His most memorable accomplishment came in 2013 when he scored two defensive touchdowns, becoming the first Texas defensive tackle ever to return two fumbles for touchdowns in the same season.

For a player who began his career carrying the football, it’s fitting that some of his biggest moments came with the ball in his hands.

2. Chris Akins (1994-97)

Akins was a steady presence on the defensive front during one of the most important transitional periods in Texas football history.

A three-year letterman and senior starter, he helped the Longhorns capture the final Southwest Conference championship in 1995 before helping Texas win the first Big 12 Championship in program history the following season.

Akins’ play earned him an opportunity at the next level, where he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1998 NFL Draft.

While his name may not be as widely remembered today, he was an important piece of some significant Texas teams during the mid-1990s.

 

No. 96 isn’t the deepest number in Texas history, but both players left their mark on the program in unique ways.

My vote is for Whaley simply for the 2 TD game.