The Texas wide receiver room outlook after Johntay Cook's departure
Earlier this morning Inside Texas broke these news sophomore wide receiver Johntay Cook is no longer in the Texas program. Given his talent, the downward effects are worth considering even if he’s been a bit player this season with only 8 receptions.
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Despite his lack of playing time since the Mississippi State game, it cannot be denied he’s a talented player who was considered a major piece of the future when he signed in the 2023 class. At the time, coaches and fans alike day dreamed about Arch Manning to Johntay Cook connections on repeat.
While it’s unfortunate it didn’t work out, Texas will be just fine at Texas thanks to three factors:
1. Current roster talent
Cook’s departure affects next season much more than this one. The coaches have a set starting trio of Isaiah Bond, DeAndre Moore, and Matthew Golden. They’re back-stopped by Ryan Wingo and Silas Bolden. Five receivers getting playing time is considered a pretty big rotation for Steve Sarkisian so Texas should be just fine barring a rash of injuries.
Bond has been dinged up but will play this weekend against Florida.
Plenty of the current roster talent and production will carry over to next year. In all likelihood Bond will be gone to the NFL. Golden’s future is TBD. Bolden will have exhausted his eligibility. But Wingo will be a star next year and Moore, given the way he’s been playing of late, might become one before this season is finished. They’ll be focal points.
If Golden returns, Texas can do a lot of damage with a trio of Wingo, Moore, and Golden.
Younger guys like Parker Livingstone and Aaron Butler also have the chance to earn snaps. Ryan Niblett may also return to receiver after selflessly moving to running back for this season.
2. Incoming signees
In Kaliq Lockett, Jaime French, and Daylan McCutcheon, Texas has three studs committed in the 2025 class.
Yes, McCutcheon is a stud. In fact, he might end up being the most ready to play early. Not long after Moore arrived we mentioned to not sleep on him. We’re already saying the same about DM.
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I love the idea of McCutcheon learning behind Moore and Ffrench learning behind Wingo. The younger guys are close analogs to the older guys. Plus, given how Golden has become the go-to in clutch and red zone situations, I think that fits Lockett’s role perfectly.
Could Texas take a fourth receiver in the class? Knowing how greedy Sark and Chris Jackson can be when it comes to accumulating talent at the position I wouldn’t rule it out.
Cook’s departure is certainly a variable that could change class numbers, though IT does know the staff loves the current three so the coaches could stand pat. I tend to think remaining needs on defense are much more pressing.
3. The portal
IT has not heard of the staff’s intent to target a player out of the portal but Sark has experienced a fair amount of success with Bond and Golden and Adonai Mitchell before them.
Texas has an attractive offense with star-making power and Manning getting ready to start his career in earnest.
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At minimum, it’s nice to know the portal is there if they need it, but the position already has a lot of good things going for it when factoring current and incoming talent.
