The fifth-year linebacker has opted in for an additional year in Austin.
Texas Longhorns linebacker David Gbenda will return to the Forty Acres for his sixth and final season in 2024, the Houston-area product revealed on Tuesday, emphasising that his “job’s not finished.”
The Katy Cinco Ranch fifth-year senior chose to take advantage of the additional year of eligibility provided by the COVID-19 programme.
Gbenda appeared in 47 games for the Longhorns, including 11 starts, eight of which came this season. Gbenda had his greatest season ever, recording career highs in tackles (50) and tackles for loss (3.5).
Originally recruited by former head coach Tom Herman’s staff, Gbenda stayed through the coaching change despite spending time at running back in 2019, and his patience paid off with a Big 12 Championship and a trip to the College Football Playoffs in his final season.
When asked about Gbenda’s decision to stay with the programme after Steve Sarkisian took over, the Texas head coach responded, “In this day and age of college football, I believe we’re reducing and losing the importance of patience, and [David] is a prime example of perseverance. For the past two years, he has been at best a role player…he is a front-line player and team leader for us.”
Gbenda’s most significant game likely came against No. 3 Alabama, with six total tackles and a tremendous high-effort sack in the upset victory.
Gbenda’s return will help bolster the linebacker position with Jaylan Ford and Jett Bush departing from Texas along with the loss of inside linebackers coach Jeff Choate. Unless Sarkisian’s staff adds another linebacker from the portal, Gbenda will the most experienced player at the position heading into 2024
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