Senior spotlight: Local product Jahdae Barron emerged as star for Texas Longhorns football

For a change, Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron didn't make a splash play in Friday's 57-7 win over Texas Tech. He didn't have a takeaway, force a fumble or make a stop for a loss. Heck, he didn't have a solo tackle for just the second time this season.

But the senior celebrated the Longhorns' Senior Night in a most appropriate way while getting a win, which remains his favorite stat. Tech quarterback Behren Mortons had just 88 yards passing with three interceptions as Texas rolled into next week's Big 12 title game.

"I felt that we were playing at a high level today," Barron said. "Great energy. And everybody was playing for one another; they knew that this was the last home game here. Everyone was playing for the seniors."

Barron's senior moment almost didn't arrive, at least at Texas. The graduate from Connally High School in the Pflugerville school district originally committed to Baylor before choosing to stay close to home. That's been great news for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, who has called Barron one of the most valuable players on his defense. The nickel corner has emerged as one of the top slot covermen in the nation who also excels against the run, as evident by his selection as a Thorpe Award semifinalist, which goes to the nation's top defensive back.

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After seeing limited action in his first two collegiate seasons, the 5-foot-11, 192-pound Barron has emerged as the team's best defensive back over the past two seasons. He had 78 tackles, two interceptions and five passes defended a year ago and has racked up 54 tackles, five passed defensed, and interception and a forced fumble this season.

He's also developed a certain sense of self-confidence well known inside and outside the Texas locker room.

"I love myself, and obviously I speak highly of myself, so why not?" Barron recently said. "I've been underrated, but that's not going to stop me to work. I feel that I'm one of the best DBs in the country. I can play inside and tackle, and I can also go outside on the island and go cover."