Johntay Cook credits improved maturity for his strong year two start
Texas wide receiver Johntay Cook saw some action during his freshman year, but he was behind three receivers in Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, and Jordan Whittington who were selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. He knew even before Texas brought in three receivers from the transfer portal there was an area of his game he needed to improve in order to succeed those three current pros.
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On Monday, speaking with the Texas media for the first time, Cook mentioned he needed to improve his overall maturity to be a better player in his second season at Texas.
“Just my approach to everything and just coming in with a pro mindset every day,” Cook said. “Buying into the program. Honestly, I think I’ve done well with those things.”
The results on the field speak to the strides Cook has made. Last year, across the entire 14-game season, Cook hauled in eight receptions for 136 yards. This year, as part of a stacked wide receiver rotation that goes six-deep, Cook has seven catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns.
The first came from the arm of Quinn Ewers against UTSA.
“That was great, but I owe that all to the play-call, the O-line for holding up, and ultimately Quinn getting me the ball,” Cook said. “I had the easiest part running to the end zone.”
The second was delivered by Arch Manning. Cook laid out for a well-thrown back-shoulder fade for a second receiving touchdown.
While Cook had to learn how to approach every day on his own, he had quality mentors in Worthy, Whittington, and Mitchell. He credited that trio, specifically Worthy, for helping him get to where he’s at today.
“Of course, there are little nuances here and there as far as playing wide receiver but overall, X showed me how to be a pro,” Cook said.
As mentioned, Texas brought in several transfers during the offseason at wide receiver. Isaiah Bond, Matthew Golden, and Silas Bolden arrived on the 40 Acres, as did star true freshman Ryan Wingo. They forced Steve Sarkisian, for the first time in his career, to extend his wideout rotation.
Despite the arrival of more quality players to compete with, Cook took it in stride.
“We welcomed them with open arms,” Cook said. “Once everybody got here and they jelled within the room, we just took them in like brothers. They’re part of the family now.”
Cook quickly understood their additions were going to make the team better.
“The competition rises,” Cook said. “You’ve just got to bring your A-game every day because there are dudes around you that can make big plays. I’m just in a great room.”
Texas is set to take on Mississippi State this weekend in its first-ever Southeastern Conference game. Cook the Longhorns going to the SEC was not as big of a factor in his decision to go to Texas so much as it was Sarkisian’s culture at a school like the University of Texas.
However, he knows the challenge rises this week. Bond even gave him a heads up on it.
“Just got to make sure you’re healthy because you’re going to play good teams and good dudes every week,” Cook said. “Try to be as close to 100 percent as you can.”
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While at his current close-to-100-percent state, Cook has been a consistent and quality receiver for the Longhorns in two different stacked rooms for two different quarterbacks. This week, he gets to showcase his talents against the SEC.
