Which No. 16 is the All-American for Texas?

AUSTIN (KXAN) — As a smile flashed across Michael Taaffe’s face at a press conference this week, he happily asked reporters, “Is he an All-American?” Taaffe knew the answer was no.

He was referencing his very good friend and teammate, Arch Manning, who is the most talked about player in college football.

“I just wanted to clear that up,” said the senior defensive back Taaffe about which one of the two is a preseason AP All-American.

It’s Taaffe. As are two of his defensive teammates in Anthony Hill and Colin Simmons.

Taaffe, who wears number 16 for the Texas defense, was integral in bringing the other No. 16 for the Longhorns in Manning. The two often talk about how great the other is as a person and player.

And if Texas wants to have the success they believe is possible this season, they’ll need both Taaffe and Manning.

Taaffe earned All-America honors last season, while Manning has started just two games in his college career. It makes sense Taaffe is the one with the preseason honors this fall, despite being talked about a little less.

“It’s cool that we finally can get some respect,” said Taaffe about the three Longhorns landing on the preseason list all being defenders. “People understand how our work from last year represents now. Obviously it doesn’t matter until the tape comes on. I think it’s cool that it’s defensive guys because we know who’s getting all the hype right now on the Texas Longhorns.”

Another slight dig with zero ill will at his friend Arch. Taaffe and the Longhorns open the season Saturday, Aug. 30 at Ohio State.