Johntay Cook 'Earning The Trust' of Texas Longhorns Coaches

Texas Longhorns freshman receiver Johntay Cook could find himself on the field a little more often going forward, and that could start Saturday vs. the Houston Cougars.

AUSTIN, Texas -- The Texas Longhorns and coach Steve Sarkisian have a talented group of freshmen at their disposal, and a few members of the 2023 recruiting class have already proven this as the team reaches the midway point of the season.

But based on recent comments from Sarkisian, freshman receiver Johntay Cook could soon be separating himself from the rest of his fellow youngsters.

"He's earning the trust of the coaches," Sarkisian said Thursday. "He's earning the trust of the quarterback that he can be a guy that can go out there and function and play good football for us."

Johntay Cook after catching a pass for a first down vs. Kansas / © Jay Janner, Austin American-Statesman

Cook, who came to Texas after decimating high school secondaries as a five-star receiver from DeSoto, has flashed his big-play ability amid the Longhorns' 5-1 start. He still has a lot to prove before getting more playing time alongside receivers Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy, but the potential is all there.

So far this season, Cook has posted four catches for 103 yards. Though the sample size is obviously smaller, he leads the team in average yards per catch (25.8), which was certainly boosted by his 51-yard grab in the 38-6 win over Baylor on Sept. 23.

After the 34-30 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners, Sarkisian even admitted that he wanted to play Cook more.

"I think probably the guy offensively that I'm really excited about is Johntay," Sarkisian said. "I was kicking myself, I probably should've played him more (vs. Oklahoma). I think that he's earned it. He's practiced well so hope to see more of him. He's probably the main one. DeAndre Moore is probably close right there, too. So those two guys stand out to me."

It's certainly saying something that Sarkisian wanted his young receiver on the field more in what was arguably the biggest game of the season up to this point.

Luckily, Cook doesn't have to wait long before receiving more reps. The No. 8 Longhorns take on the Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium on Saturday.