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Longhorns DB Jahdae Barron Provides Consistency In Win Over Wyoming

Originally posted on FanNation Longhorns Country
By Cole Thompson | Last updated 9/17/23

On a night when everything looked to be going wrong for Texas, Jahade Barron looked right.

The Longhorns senior defensive back was everywhere Saturday evening at Royal-Memorial Stadium against Wyoming. He blitzed, made several plays in coverage and wasn't afraid to put his body on the line to secure a 31-10 victory and keep the perfect season alive.

"Jahdae made three third-down stops for us that were really big plays," said Texas coach Steve Sarkisian postgame. "His physicality at that nickel spot shows up as much as the coverage does [and] his ability to get people on the ground. Tonight, he did that well."

Barron posted a team-high nine tackles, six of which were solo, to go along with a pass breakup. As for those three "big plays," all came in the first half with Wyoming driving, thus forcing the offense to take a seat back on the sidelines and out of scoring territory.

"I'm just blessed and appreciate my coaches putting me in those opportunities," said Barron. "Sometimes I know that play is coming and I'm just ready to capitalize."

Barron has been the focus of the Longhorns' open-field tackling in coverage. He's third in stops behind linebackers David Gbenda and Jaylan Ford. He's also totaled at least four stops per game.

It's about repetition for Barron when it comes to making stops, which starts with film study. He said he spends between 2-3 hours daily watching tape away from the facility. The reasoning? If he acquires knowledge in the film room, the more free he can play with live reps.

"I'm trying to change the game," Barron said. "I'm trying to be a big piece of this defense."

The versatility makes Barron a staple for Pete Kwitkowski's unit. If he's not blitzing, he's defending running backs and tight ends. If not in coverage, Barron's playing free in space and waiting for a player to come his way.

Coaches and players have described his play as relentless. He has a motor that refuses to quit. For Barron, he can't slow down until he reaches his end goal of playing on Sundays. He has plans to buy his mother, Techonia Davis, a house while helping her grow her microblading business in Austin.

That type of deal only comes with money. Sunday paychecks are preferred over any NIL deal. He can't let up when scouts are visiting to evaluate talent.

He's also a team player and doesn't want to let down the other 10 starters on the field. Barron did more than deliver a few hits against the Cowboys before the start of conference play.

"I just try to be the juice for the defense and the juice for the team," Barron said. "If I'm hype, it's going to spread. Obviously, it had an effect on everybody. It changed the game."

This article first appeared on FanNation Longhorns Country and was syndicated with permission.

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