LaAllan Clark says Texas is moving Brad Spence from LB to EDGE
When it comes to building a championship-caliber football team, adaptability is key, and the Texas Longhorns are demonstrating just that with their recent personnel move. The announcement from head coach LaAllan Clark regarding the transition of Brad Spence from linebacker to EDGE defender has created a buzz among fans and analysts alike. This decision represents not just a reshuffling of talent, but also a potential game-changer for Texas as they aim to climb back into national contention.
In the world of college football, making positional changes is not uncommon. Coaches frequently adjust player roles to maximize their team’s strengths, especially when seeking to exploit certain mismatches on the field. However, Texas’ decision to move Spence from linebacker to EDGE defender has raised eyebrows for a few reasons. For one, EDGE players (essentially hybrid defensive ends/outside linebackers) require a unique skill set, one that blends raw athleticism with a specific set of pass-rush and run-stopping abilities. In other words, it’s a bold decision, but one that could pay off in huge dividends for the Longhorns if executed correctly.
Brad Spence, a 6’3″, 230-pound linebacker, has long been considered one of Texas’ most promising defensive players. Coming out of high school, Spence was a highly-touted prospect who had shown the ability to rack up tackles with ease, make key stops in the backfield, and cover a lot of ground in both run support and pass coverage. His ability to read offenses and adjust on the fly made him a natural fit at linebacker. However, as Texas began to assess its roster and its defensive needs heading into the 2025 season, it became clear that Spence’s talents could be utilized in an even more dynamic role.
While Spence excelled at linebacker, the Longhorns were also looking to bolster their pass rush and create more disruption along the line of scrimmage. Texas’ defensive scheme has become increasingly reliant on getting to the quarterback with a more aggressive and flexible defensive front. With Spence’s combination of size, strength, and speed, moving him to EDGE seemed like a logical step. The transition would allow him to apply pressure on quarterbacks, which is one of the most critical aspects of modern defensive football. With quarterbacks becoming increasingly mobile and offensive schemes evolving, a reliable pass rush has become a must-have for any team looking to compete at the highest level.
For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of defensive football, the EDGE position is a hybrid role, typically blending elements of both linebacker and defensive end. EDGE rushers must have the speed and agility to rush the passer like a traditional defensive end, while also possessing the coverage skills and athleticism required of a linebacker. It’s a versatile and high-impact position that demands a player to be equally effective in both rushing the quarterback and defending the run.
The transition from linebacker to EDGE is not always a smooth one. Linebackers are expected to play a more fluid role, moving sideline to sideline and being able to cover running backs and tight ends in the passing game. Meanwhile, EDGE rushers often need to focus on leveraging their pass-rushing skills, using speed, power, and technique to get past offensive tackles and disrupt the quarterback. This requires not just physical adjustments, but a mental shift as well.
For Brad Spence, this move is an opportunity to showcase a new set of skills. While his previous role as a linebacker allowed him to show off his ability to tackle and cover, the EDGE position will place him in a more direct confrontation with the offense’s offensive line. He will need to work on his pass-rushing technique, including hand placement, footwork, and timing in order to be effective. There’s also a considerable shift in responsibilities, as Spence will now be counted on to attack the pocket and disrupt plays in a way that he hasn’t been asked to do before
The decision to move Spence from linebacker to EDGE comes as part of a larger strategy by Texas defensive coordinator to build a more versatile and unpredictable defense. The trend in modern football has been toward more dynamic defensive schemes, where players are often asked to wear multiple hats. By moving Spence to EDGE, Texas is essentially seeking to capitalize on his athleticism and football IQ in ways that were less emphasized at linebacker.
First and foremost, this move addresses the Longhorns’ need for a stronger pass rush. In recent seasons, Texas’ defense has been solid but lacked the game-changing pass rush that many of their rivals have been able to generate. Having a player like Spence who can rush the passer from the outside edge—while still being able to drop into coverage when needed—gives Texas the flexibility to apply pressure on quarterbacks from multiple angles. This is particularly important in a conference like the Big 12, where high-scoring offenses and dual-threat quarterbacks are the norm.
By moving Spence to EDGE, the Longhorns can create a more fluid defense. In passing situations, he can line up on the edge to rush the quarterback, while in run-heavy situations, he can shift to a more traditional linebacker role. This multi-dimensional approach will make it more difficult for offensive coordinators to predict what Texas’ defense will do on any given play. It’s a chess match, and Spence’s ability to play multiple roles could be a huge advantage for Texas as they look to keep opponents guessing.
One of the biggest factors in Spence’s potential success at the EDGE position is the presence of LaAllan Clark, Texas’ defensive mastermind. As a former NFL defensive coach with a wealth of experience in molding elite pass rushers, Clark is uniquely qualified to help Spence make the transition. Clark has a proven track record of developing players into top-tier pass rushers, and his guidance will be crucial in helping Spence refine his technique and develop his overall understanding of the EDGE position.
Clark’s coaching philosophy centers on player versatility. He believes in giving his defenders the tools to succeed in multiple roles, which is why he’s been so keen on shifting players between positions when needed. His ability to teach the nuances of the EDGE position—such as the importance of hand placement, counter moves, and timing—will go a long way in helping Spence make a seamless transition.
Texas’ defense in 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic in recent memory, and the move of Brad Spence to EDGE is one of the key pieces in this puzzle. With the Big 12 continuing to grow in both talent and competitiveness, the Longhorns are keenly aware that their defense must evolve if they hope to compete for a spot in the College Football Playoff. The addition of a strong pass rusher like Spence on the edge can help Texas pressure quarterbacks in a way they haven’t been able to do in years.
The shift to the EDGE position also speaks to Texas’ broader commitment to versatility on defense. Coach Clark’s system is built on the idea of having defenders who can play multiple positions and shift between roles based on the situation at hand. This flexibility gives the Longhorns the ability to mix things up, keeping opposing offenses on their toes and preventing them from gaining a read on Texas’ defensive schemes. If Spence can successfully make the jump to EDGE and perform at a high level, he could be the game-changer the Longhorns need to elevate their defense to championship-level caliber.
Brad Spence’s potential at the EDGE position is immense. He’s already demonstrated a natural ability to read the game from his linebacker role, and his athleticism, combined with the coaching he’s about to receive, could make him a disruptive force in the Big 12. While the transition may take time and may come with a few growing pains, the raw talent and athleticism are already there. Spence’s ability to bend the edge, use his speed to outmaneuver offensive linemen, and close on the quarterback could make him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
One thing is certain: the Longhorns are putting a great deal of faith in Brad Spence as their new EDGE rusher, and this could be the move that defines their 2025 season. Texas is hoping that Spence’s blend of size, strength, and football IQ will not only make him effective against the run but will also allow him to disrupt opposing quarterbacks at crucial moments. If he can succeed in this new role, he could become one of the breakout stars of the Big 12—and possibly beyond.
While Spence’s move to EDGE is one of the most talked-about decisions of the offseason, it’s only one piece of the puzzle for Texas football. The Longhorns are looking to build a complete team, one that can dominate on both sides of the ball. With a dynamic offense led by Arch Manning at quarterback, the defense must be equally capable of shutting down opposing teams and making critical plays when needed.
For Texas to compete for the Big 12 title and beyond, it’s not just about having stars at quarterback or running back. It’s about having a defense that can shut down the high-powered offenses of the modern college game. Brad Spence’s transition to EDGE is a direct response to that need. His ability to rush the passer, disrupt offensive schemes, and fill multiple roles will make him a valuable weapon in Texas’ defensive arsenal.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Spence to see if he can rise to the occasion. For Texas fans, this move could be a major part of the team’s resurgence. With Spence leading the charge on the EDGE, the Longhorns are set to become one of the most formidable defenses in the nation.
