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Texas Football: 5 Most Important Freshmen for the Longhorns in 2016

By Tyler Brett

Nov 7, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; University of Texas Longhorns tight end Dominic Cruciani (48) carries out the American flag before the game against the University of Kansas Jayhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Austin, TX, USA; University of Texas Longhorns tight end Dominic Cruciani (48) carries out the American flag before the game against the University of Kansas Jayhawks at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 5, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Texas Longhorns run onto the field carrying the American flag and the Texas state flag before the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; South Bend, IN, USA; Texas Longhorns run onto the field carrying the American flag and the Texas state flag before the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

The anemic Texas passing attack needs all the help it can get. With four-star wide receiver Collin Johnson, they may have landed a star in the making.

There is an immediate need for playmakers in the passing game at Texas as the Horns finished No. 118 in the nation in passing offense and last in the Big 12 last season. On top of that, the Horns are looking to replace Daje Johnson and Marcus Johnson who combined for 49 receptions last season for 545 yards and two touchdowns. That leaves just two receivers on the Texas roster who recorded at least 10 receptions in 2015 in John Burt (28 for 457) and Armanti Foreman (11 for 182).

On top of that, Texas has seen what little experience they have at receiver thin further during the offseason. Ryan Newsome, who recorded four receptions for 23 yards as a freshman last season, transferred out of the program. DeAndre McNeal will also be transferring after getting suspended for a violation of team rules leading into fall camp. Then once the team got into camp, they lost junior Lorenzo Joe, the best blocker in the receiving corps, to a hamstring injury for an extended period.

All of that chaos creates opportunity for Johnson. At 6-foot-6, he provides a big target that can stretch the field and go up and beat defenders for jump balls. He helped his case as well by enrolling early and getting valuable reps during spring practice. Those skills and that experience should pave the way to a position in the starting lineup this fall.

Next: Stability Under Center ... Maybe

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