Look we know the Ash isn't the answer. But what drives me crazy is how bad the defense is. The group has been bad all year and is the worst in Texas history. They cannot stop the run at all and it's a big reason why teams have so much success against them. Problem with the defense is the interior DT's are not good against the run and cannot shed blocks well. Also Texas does not have an effective middle linebacker. Edmond and Santons are slow and don't read plays well. I also don't like how the Longhorns play nickel a bunch. But it's kind of funny because I think a big reason the Longhorns play nickel is to have a place for Vaccaro to play.
Vaccaro is an interesting player. He is a high effort guy, loves to hit, and is a tackling machine. If he was bigger he would be a freak linebacker. The problem with Vaccaro is he doesn't have the speed and coverage skills to play a true safety position, at the back of the defense. Which is why he is often close to the line of scrimmage. So this is 1 reason I think we see Texas play more Nickel in 1 season than i can ever remember. If they were to play the traditional 4-3 (4 linemen, 3 LB's) Vaccaro would have to be move to 1 of the deep safety positions and I don't think the coaches feel comfortable with him back there, I honestly wouldn't either. Vaccaro is a tackling machine and great at that. But he is no Earl Thomas, which forces Diaz to use him in a different way than traditional safety play. And sure, Texas plays Nickel due to what the offense is giving them too. But I don't see Vaccaro having the success on Sundays that many are assuming he will have. I like him a lot though for his effort and tenacity, but at no fault of his own I just don't think he has the speed/coverage skills to play deep so he plays inside and close to the line.