Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian has a saying: “Don’t count your reps — make your reps count.”
Longhorns linebacker David Gbenda might not have been counting, but the media has. Fellow linebacker Liona Lefau’s snaps have increased to 38, 37 and 43 in the past three games while Gbenda’s have fallen to 27, 25 and 14. In his final year with Texas, it would be easy for Gbenda to be bitter as his sophomore compatriot shines in the role that used to be his.
But that’s not how the Katy native is wired.
“No outcome deters David from how he performs,” safety Michael Taaffe said. “No matter what’s going to happen to him, he’s going to be the same guy every single day.”
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Gbenda’s manic effort defines him as a player. He’s the brand ambassador of the “never gives up on a play” coachism. Off the field, it’s the first thing his teammates mention and something he uses to display his brand of leadership.
It took four years for Gbenda to become a full-time contributor to the team. He had to prove his value to former Texas coach Tom Herman and again when Sarkisian was hired. He played 389 snaps over his first four years in Austin before recording 400 in 2023.
In those reps, Gbenda broke out as the starting linebacker of one of the best defenses in college football. He collected 50 tackles with 3½ for a loss and came into the season as one of Texas’ unquestioned leaders.
“You can talk about it all you want, but if you can just show it, then they understand, ‘OK, this is how you go about your business,’” Gbenda said.
Lefau has had the starting job since Week 7 against Oklahoma, but not because Gbenda’s play has been unsatisfactory. Before changing roles, the veteran had 3½ tackles for loss and 28 total tackles on one of the best defenses in the country.
Sarkisian made the switch to allow linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. to become the best version of himself.
Lefau’s instincts and connection with Hill allowed the Butkus Award semifinalist to wreak havoc on opposing offenses, which was evident against the Sooners. With Lefau starting alongside him, Hill recorded 11 tackles and 3½ tackles for loss.
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Coming in the same recruiting class, Hill said he and Lefau initially “didn’t know what was going on” before becoming the ideal pairing for Pete Kwiatkowski’s defensive system.
“I think there’s a level of versatility … to what Liona brings,” Sarkisian said. “You know, he can play multiple positions. He is extremely bright. He communicates well with Anthony.”
It’s a connection that Gbenda has seen firsthand, playing the same position and being around them at practice.
“When they’re in, they just sort of read each other’s mind a little bit,” Gbenda said.
This year, Gbenda had arguably his best game of the season versus Mississippi State with six solo takedowns, one for loss and a season-high eight total tackles.
And the next week, he was benched.
Gbenda didn’t lose his spark, though. He’s still the same guy who entered 2023 with something to prove — the first in, first out player who sets an example for the rest of the Longhorns to follow.
“Regardless of the amount of reps I get, I’m still trying to make sure I’m intentional with the prep and also understand that the amount I get doesn’t matter. It’s what I do with them,” Gbenda said. “My attitude and effort and everything I do. That’s what I try to emulate and give to the team.”
And Gbenda is giving plenty in the chances he gets. It’s a small sample, but he’s making 0.2 tackles per snap in his current role, compared to 0.18 when he was a starter.
He’s the backup, yet Gbenda still gives Texas starting-level play.
“When he goes in, his production has been really high. … I think it’s been a win on both ends for us,” Sarkisian said.
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Even as one of the oldest players on the team, Gbenda is still getting better. He’s constantly asking co-defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen about what he can improve. Right now, Gbenda says his technique, footwork and in-game communication skills are all things he’s working on.
The young linebackers are the future of Texas. Hill was a highly ranked recruit and might be an NFL first-round pick when he leaves Texas. Lefau is a rising star who brings a different energy with his Polynesian culture and cerebral nature.
But neither embodies the Longhorns’ culture quite like their senior partner.
“What you want in a linebacker — that’s David Gbenda,” Texas center Jake Majors said.
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