Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
AUSTIN, Texas -- Sergio Kindle arrived at Texas as one of the most heralded recruits of the Mack Brown era. And he's determined to make a name for himself this season to finally fulfill those lofty expectations.
New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp has arrived with a new philosophy and an idea of creating a "Buck Package" that will utilize Kindle's power and speed as a pass-rushing threat off the edge. It's put Kindle in the mix as the prime playmaker on the Longhorns' defense.
"I'm a linebacker," he said proudly, even if he might line up on a few plays this season with his fingers on the ground as a pass-rushing defensive end.
Kindle arrived at Texas in 2006 as the most coveted recruit in the state. He was one of the nation's top recruits after posting 411 tackles and rushing for 5,632 rushing yards at Dallas Woodrow Wilson High School during his high school career.
But he's had trouble jump-starting that career once he arrived at college. He was suspended for the first three games last year as a sophomore after he was charged with driving while intoxicated. And a knee injury hampered his return once he got back in the lineup.
Coming back for his junior season, the 6-foot-4, 239-pound Kindle arrived with a different, more mature attitude. And his production has picked up on the practice field, where he's finally playing like was expected to.
"I feel as long as I can stay injury free, it will jell," Kindle said. "Everything will be clicking if that happens."
Kindle is quite vocal about his new role in the Longhorns' defense with Muschamp's arrival.
"I could scream, but I won't do that. I'm excited," Kindle told the San Antonio Express-News last week. "I love rushing [the passer]. The quarterback is going to be my prey. I'm the predator."
His teammates have picked up a similar attitude as they attempt to rebound from a 10-3 record last season that was disappointing -- at least by Texas' lofty standards. And Kindle is excited about being a big part of the unit's growth.
"I just feel like based off of what happened last year, everybody does have a chip on their shoulder," Kindle said. "It's what we want to go out and do as a defense, rather than what everybody is telling us we can do."
Tim Griffin joined ESPN.com in February 2008. He has covered the Big 12 since its inception, among a variety of beats during a 24-year career at the San Antonio Express-News. Griffin, a Memphis State University graduate, lives in San Antonio with his wife and son.
