Texas Longhorns Steve Sarkisian 'Kicking Himself' for Not Playing Freshman Johntay Cook More vs. Oklahoma Sooners

Steve Sarkisian believes one freshman could have made a big difference for the Texas Longhorns vs. the Oklahoma Sooners.

AUSTIN, TX -- The Texas Longhorns were inches, missed opportunities and mistakes away from remaining undefeated, and taking down the Oklahoma Sooners in the Red River Showdown in Dallas on Saturday.

So what could have made the difference? 

The lack of a goal-line conversion on four tries, the three turnovers, and busted coverages were all among the major issues for the Horns. 

But one thing that also stuck out to head coach Steve Sarkisian, and something he regrets, was the lack of playing time for explosive freshman receiver, Johntay Cook. 

"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 Saturday. 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."

Johntay Cook after making an explosive play against the Kansas Jayhawks.  / © Jay Janner, Austin American-Statesman

Obviously, the Longhorns have one of the top receiver rooms in the country. The trio of Adonai Mitchell, Xavier Worthy, and Jordan Whittington is as talented a group as there is in the nation. 

That said, inserting more young talent such as Cook and Moore from time to time could only help add more explosive potential to the offense. 

The Longhorns have already seen that kind of success on the other side of the ball, with the true freshman trio of Anthony Hill, Derek Williams and Malik Muhammad all playing big roles in the defense such far. 

“I think all three of those guys are right there on the cusp of being frontline guys for us," Sarkisian said. "Derek, the last three games, he’s had a lot of snaps.” — “(Williams) got a high football IQ. He cares. He wants to be a great player and in my mind he’s going to be a great player for us.”

So why not on offense with Cook and Moore?

Well, based on Sarkisisan's comments, we may not have to wait much longer to see one or both of them get more involved in the passing game going forward.