3 true freshmen to watch for Texas football vs. UL-Monroe

Brenen Thompson, WR

While I would be very surprised to see the former four-star Spearman recruit and speedy true freshman wide receiver Brenen Thompson get some starting reps in the opener this weekend, seeing him get ample reps is very much a possibility. If Texas gets up on ULM early in this game, we could see some of the younger skill position players getting valuable reps before halftime.

And Thompson could be one of those freshman skill position players for the Longhorns that is in line to get a good number of reps out of the gates this season with Texas likely getting a solid first-half lead on the Warhawks.

Texas could also mix up some of the looks they give to Thompson this weekend. ULM will have some new faces in their secondary this fall, and that could create some confusion in the first game of the season. Sark could take advantage of that potential chaos by getting Thompson the ball in space either out of the slot or behind star sophomore wideout Xavier Worthy at the x spot.

Thompson’s flat-out track speed is something that should give the Warhawks plenty of difficulties. This could give Sark the opportunity to test ULM’s secondary deep while letting redshirt freshman quarterback Quinn Ewers air it out and get comfortable with that insane arm talent he brings to the table.

According to CFB Stats, ULM allowed 14 plays of at least 40 yards last season and eight plays of at least 50 yards, both good for tied for 118th in the FBS. That shows that the Longhorns will have the opportunity to get some of their speedier deep threats such as Thompson behind the ULM secondary for some big plays this weekend.

There is a lot of potential for Thompson to make some explosive early contributions, as long as the quarterback throwing the ball his way can be on target on any possible deep targets.