Longhorn Player Profiles: Okam & Lokey: Two of a Kind

This is the fourth in our Longhorn player profile series, leading up to the season-opening game on Sept. 1.

Defensive linemen—particularly defensive tackles—are typically seen as hulking behemoths whose sole interest is flattening the player in front of them. The Texas Longhorns, however, boast a pair of honor roll students at that position, one who loves to cook and one who got married in July, then shaved his head.

This isn't to imply that seniors Frank Okam and Derek Lokey aren't interested in wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. In fact, they'll lead a Texas defense with that sole purpose in mind.

Last season, the Longhorns focused on stopping the run, and set a school record with only 61.2 rushing yards allowed per game. However, that focus left them vulnerable to the pass, where they gave up 236.2 yards per game, the most in school history. The linebackers and defensive play-calling took the brunt of the criticism for those numbers, so co-defensive coordinators Larry Mac Duff and Duane Akina know they must take advantage of the talent on the field to be successful.

"I think defensively you've got so many weapons you've got to find out who they are and make sure you fire those," Akina said.

Those weapons start up front with Okam and Lokey, who have each been named as All-Big 12 first team selections in the preseason.

Okam has been the more celebrated of the two. A high-school All-American and freshman All-America selection, he's recorded 108 tackles and five sacks in his career at Texas. Off the field, he's a four-time member of UT's Athletic Director's Honor Roll who speaks French, enjoys cooking and has been preparing meals since he was eight years old.

His partner on the line, Lokey, has enjoyed success off the field as well. He got married in July and is on pace to graduate in December after just 3 1/2 years. He showed up for preseason workouts this fall with a shaved head.

"I just wanted a change," Lokey said. "I had the same haircut since seventh grade and after the wedding, I just wanted to let loose and go for a little wilder look."