Steve Sarkisian provides injury updates on Isaiah Neyor, Junior Angilau, others
Worrisome reports that came from the Texas Longhorns’ first scrimmage of the preseason have been confirmed. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian announced Monday that wide receiver Isaiah Neyor and offensive lineman Junior Angilau are out for the rest of the season, while running back Roschon Johnson, defensive back Jahdae Barron, and offensive lineman Cole Hutson will miss some time as a result of injuries suffered on Saturday.
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Sarkisian used the term, “for a few days, maybe a week or two,” at Monday’s post-practice press conference for the latter trio, not disclosing specific details. Sarkisian said that Angilau and Neyor suffered non-contact knee injuries.
Neyor, a 6-foot-3, 216-pounder who transferred from Wyoming to Texas ahead of the spring, was a putting together a strong training camp. He would have been a significant weapon alongside Xavier Worthy that would have threatened opposing defenses downfield on every snap.
For the Cowboys last season, Neyor caught 44 passes for 878 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also rushed 12 times for 23 yards and one score.
Angilau, a 6-foot-6, 320-pound fifth-year senior, started 12 games in 2021 with six coming at right guard and the other six at left guard. He was taking first-string snaps at center before his injury. Angilau has played and started in 34 games during his Texas career.
Johnson’s injury does not put him on the shelf for the entire season, but losing the player Sarkisian has repeatedly called an alpha for some time is a loss by any definition. Johnson, who arrived at Texas as a quarterback before switching to running back before the 2019 season, was slated to be a key piece of the 2022 Longhorn offense.
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Johnson has rushed 299 times for 1636 yards and 18 touchdowns in his three-year career.
Barron, a third-year player, is the leading candidate to play the STAR defensive back role this season for the Longhorn defense. Hutson, a first-year lineman, had taken first-string snaps of late.
The Longhorns will look toward members of the 2022 class for help in replacing Angilau along the offensive line. Tarique Milton, who transferred from Iowa State, will have a say in helping replace Neyor, as will Jordan Whittington.
There is no replacement for the leadership offered by Johnson, but the deep running back room led by Robinson along with Keilan Robinson, Jaydon Blue, and Johnathon Brooks helps soften the blow of Johnson’s temporary loss.
There are no good times for injury, especially with nineteen days until Texas kicks off against Louisiana-Monroe. Sarkisian and company will now have to find the next man up at important places to replace very important players.
This is a developing story. Stay up to date with the latest on Texas Longhorns news on the Inside Texas Members Only board.
