Analysis of Brad Spence and Trey Moore Musical Chairs

The conversation regarding the positions Trey Moore and Brad Spence would play on the field in 2025 has reached a peak following the news Tuesday that Spence has moved to a full-time EDGE position.

In fact, it is BUCK where Spence is believed to be moved to – right behind Colin Simmons on the depth chart.

But I wanted to provide some insight on why the move was made.

On the surface, it may not make a whole lot of sense. Trey Moore is listed at 6-foot-3-inches and 249 pounds on the Texas roster, while Brad Spence comes in at 6-foot-2 and 241 pounds.

When watching Brad Spence play ball for Arkansas in 2024, even as an off-ball linebacker, there is a clear heavy-handedness to his game. Spence brings a significant punch when engaging with would-be blockers and is quick to disengage without needed to move from his position all too much.

On the flip side, speed is more the name of the game for Trey Moore. Finesse moves like the spin move and dip and rips were what allowed Trey Moore to see significant production in the 2nd half of the season. Though, that finesse approach brings displacement at times.

When looking at holding the edge in run support, this favors the play style of Spence just a bit more. 

I don't have GPS speed numbers for either, but there were times a year ago where Trey Moore dropped back into coverage and fared well. This also gives Texas the opportunity to put two 240+ pound linebackers on the field together for jumbo situations. 

Altogether, the arsenal for the Texas pass rush continues to improve. Should be interesting to see how both are deployed in 2025.

Trey Moore in a bear front playing the spy role against Arizona State. 

This feels like a role he’d be asked to use often in 2025.

Trey Moore (top) using his spin and dip to get around the RT for a sack on Taylen Green. 

Brad Spence from the top EDGE position coming around on a stunt to blitz through the middle. 

OL unable to hit him square and Spence was quick enough to get after Brady Cook

CJ..good observations.  Brad spence had a sack last season against Texas...and he was a problem to contain.

Brad Spence coming from the 2nd level against Texas in 2024.

You see the immediate pop on Kelvin Banks — though it’s the chip from Wisner and eventual climb of Ewers that creates the sack. 

I said it this morning, the defense might be more fun to watch this year with the abundance of riches at nearly every position on the field.. and then the depth behind them

47 minutes ago, Texas fan in Georgia said:

I said it this morning, the defense might be more fun to watch this year with the abundance of riches at nearly every position on the field.. and then the depth behind them

It certainly could be. There is not a position right now that is lacking depth.

3 minutes ago, CJ Vogel said:

It certainly could be. There is not a position right now that is lacking depth.

Going to need you to stalk Maarad Watson for me today CJ

20 minutes ago, Joe Zura said:

Going to need you to stalk Maarad Watson for me today CJ

On the list!