Pair of Longhorns Named Top Impact 2023 True Freshman

While they may see limited action early as freshman, Johntay Cook II and Cedric Baxter have the potential to be game changers for the Longhorns.

© Ricardo B. Brazziell / American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Texas Longhorns enter year three under Steve Sarkisian looking to take another step forward offensively and have plenty of reason to believe that they're capable of doing so. 

Quinn Ewers is entering his second season and has shown strides of improvement throughout the offseason, the entire starting offensive line returns and there is an embarrassment of riches in the receiver room. 

However, while the returning talent is plenty to be excited about, Josh Pate identified two members of Texas' elite 2023 that could have an impact on the Longhorns' offense.

First up for the Longhorns, Pate mentioned running back Cedric Baxter and the opportunity he has with Texas as a freshman. 

"Cedric Baxter was the No. 1 running back in this class. Texas lost some guys, and the guys they do have on the roster have been out at various points, which has given Cedric Baxter time to get some very, very valuable reps in the spring.

A guy like him, especially at the position he plays, will be able to transition into college life fairly effectively as a freshman. But when you're also giving him extra reps in spring, it becomes all the more likely that he's about to be a player this year."

Baxter enters a running back room that lost their top two backs to the NFL in Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson, which could set him up for early reps. Of course, the Longhorns still have Jonathon Brooks, Jaydon Blue, Keilan Robinson and Savion Red to work with.

Still, it is hard not to be excited about what Baxter provides. His last two seasons in high school saw Baxter receive 376 carries for 3,093 yards and 41 touchdowns on the ground.

As for the other Longhorn freshman on Pate's list, that would be receiver Johntay Cook II. 

"Texas' wide receiver room is loaded. Xavier Worthy, Jordan Whittington, AD Mitchell, Isaiah Neyor from Wyoming and Johntay Cook. I think you'll see Cook this year. We probably won't have the necessity to play him right out of the gate, every other down.

What you probably will have is a flash player, not a volume player this year. He is a guy who can get on the field. At the very worst, he provides quality depth. It's the kind of guy Steve Sarkisian thrives with."

Similar to Baxter, Cook finds himself in a crowded room featuring veteran receivers that could limit how much playing time he sees early on in his career for the Longhorns. 

Much like Baxter, though, it is hard to deny just how electric Cook is when looking at his high school stats. Cook recorded 2,974 yards and 51 touchdowns and helped DeSoto win a state title in his final season. 

The duo of Baxter and Cook might not see a ton of playing time early, but it may not be long before they force Sarkisian's hand. When they do see the field, however, look for the freshmen to put on a show with the ball in their hands. 

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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