Texas has quality options to fill void left by Xavier Worthy's departure to the NFL
Xavier Worthy announced his intention to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft on Tuesday evening, just one day after Texas’ season came to an end at the Sugar Bowl.
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The decision had been expected perhaps as far back as his freshman year when he exploded on the national scene with 12 touchdown receptions and numerous highlight reel plays. Worthy finishes his Texas career with 197 receptions, 2,755 yards, and 26 touchdowns. Those are pretty big cleats to fill.
Because Steve Sarkisian doesn’t rotate his receivers much it might be difficult to know what to expect from players with limited playing time. After all, Johntay Cook‘s freshman season totals are the equivalent of one strong game from Worthy — 8 receptions for 136 yards.
While projecting Cook to have a breakout season might be difficult for some, I find it to be a very likely outcome. Honestly, I think Cook could have broken out as a freshman if that’s what was needed. That will be needed in 2024 and now he’ll have two years in the system and two years with quarterback Quinn Ewers if the signal caller returns for his junior year.
Cook has been an easy projection dating back to high school. He’s a polished route runner with exceptional quickness and acceleration. His top end speed isn’t that of Worthy, hardly anybody’s is, but his play speed is above average. Just ask Baylor.
Cook won’t just be limited to playing outside. The addition of explosive Houston transfer receiver Matthew Golden could motivate Sarkisian to deploy Cook from the slot. Golden has the raw speed Sarkisian likes in his outside receivers — the sort of speed defenses have to devote extra attention to.
Slot may actually be Cook’s best position anyway. His route running savvy should make him a strong contender for chain-moving targets, while his vertical ability has been an element missing from the position. You’ll find no bigger fan of Jordan Whittington than me, but slot fades and out and ups have the potential to take the passing attack with third-year Ewers to another level.
What should expectations be for Cook in 2024? I wouldn’t be surprised if he produced north of 50 receptions, 800 yards, and 7-8 touchdowns. It’s also possible he becomes Worthy’s replacement as a punt returner. Having seen him field punts in practice, he looks to be a natural.
I’d be remiss if DeAndre Moore wasn’t mentioned. He’s on a good developmental curve. If he’s ready for the field next year as expected, we could see Golden at boundary receiver, Cook at field, and Moore in the slot.
Another truism of Sark, in addition to his short rotation, is he doesn’t care about conventional fits as many other coaches. He wants guys who can get open.
Finally, Ryan Wingo, who does possess traditional boundary traits of size and strength, will have every chance to play next season. He’s physically mature and as an early enrollee will have a full offseason before his first game. His classmate and fellow early enrollee, Parker Livingtsone, might also have the chance to see the field, especially if Texas doesn’t add another transfer via the portal.
Along those lines, that’s something we’re continuing to monitor. Ideally Texas would land another receiver with experience.
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While Worthy does leave a void, that void was known well in advance. Sark already has a couple candidates to fill it. Let’s see if he adds another one.
