While a 10-win season has become expected at Texas, the Longhorns struggles in 2011 had very little to do with new coordinator Manny Diaz excellent defense.

In a column for SI.com, Andy Staples travels to Austin to talk to the fiery young defensive coordinator, who believes his young defense could be even better in 2012:

The defenders are excited about some potential new starters. Sophomore Steve Edmond should replace Keenan Robinson at middle linebacker, and the 260-pound Edmond has wowed teammates this spring with his sideline-to-sideline speed. "An athletic freak," said Okafor, who at the time was weighing in just two pounds heavier than Edmond.

Meanwhile, junior college transfer Brandon Moore has given Texas a massive presence in the interior of the line that seems more reminiscent of an SEC defense. That makes sense, since Moore, a 6-foot-5, 335-pounder from Montgomery, Ala., played at Alabama before a suspension forced him to transfer to East Mississippi Community College.