Which Longhorns Freshmen Will See Significant Reps Against Rice?

Several first-year players are expected to see immediate action against the Owls for the No. 11 Longhorns.

Steve Sarkisian has followed the notion of sending out the best 11 players regardless of age or experience. And while Week 1 might feature the veterans setting the tone, several younger names are expected to see action against Rice. 

Texas freshmen running back CJ Baxter, receivers Johntay Cook and DeAndre Moore, linebackers Anthony Hill and Liona Lefau and defensive backs Malik Muhammad and Derek Williams are expected to play Saturday against the Owls, per the third-year Longhorns coach. Sarkisian did not specify if reps would come during drives or only on special teams.

"All the guys you just mentioned are going to play Saturday, and they'll be out there relatively early in the ball game," Sarkisian told reporters Thursday. 

Position status could factor into rep totals per play. Baxter, a five-star running back from Orlando, Fla., could see an uptick in production compared to others due to the lack of first-team experience at tailback. The No. 11 Longhorns enter the year looking to replace the production of both Doak Walker Award winner Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson. 

The trio of returning talent should see significant action early, primarily sophomore Jonathon Brooks. The Hallettsville native saw action following the starters and impressed, rushing for 197 yards and 5 TDs in four games. He finished with a career-high 107 yards and two scores in the Week 12 win over Kansas. 

Cook has drawn rave reviews as an early enrollee throughout spring, often working between the first and second-team offense. In the annual Orange-White Game, the DeSoto standout made headlines when quarterback Maalik Murphy connected with him for a 65-yard score. 

© Ricardo B. Brazziell, Austin American-Statesman

“I definitely see the improvement in Johntay Cook,” Sarkisian said earlier this month. “When you go into a new system and scheme it’s about doing things the way that organization wants it done. And what I’ve loved about Johntay right now is how coachable he is.” 

Hill, a five-star linebacker from Denton Ryan, has also rotated in with the 1s on defense opposite preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Jaylan Ford. He enrolled early and flashed during spring practice with his explosive athleticism and attention to detail. 

The Longhorns are looking to replace former captain DeMarvion Overshown. Hill embodies similar characteristics to the Dallas Cowboys rookie and will don the No. 0 for the 2023 season. 

“He’s got a nose for the ball,” defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski said during fall camp. “Does not know what he’s doing all the time, but when he makes mistakes he makes them 100 percent, full speed. He just has a knack for finding the ball. He’s got some good players in front of him, so he’s going to be able to learn and not be thrown into the heat of things.

"We don’t want to throw everything at him. I think he’s in a good position.”

Kickoff from Royal-Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 2:30 p.m.