Texas Football: 3 freshmen poised to breakout in the Alamo Bowl
By Shane Black
Savion Red, WR
This past season, three Texas players caught 45 or more passes – Xavier Worthy, Ja’Tavion Sanders, and Jordan Whittington. While Worthy and Whittington are slated to play on Thursday, the possibility of both leaving the Forty ahead of the 2023 season is very real.
Even if both players decide to return, Coach Sarkisian and Texas must find more production at the receiver position. I believe Thursday night gives freshman Savion Red an excellent opportunity to earn himself a fast track to more playing time in 2023.
The Grand Prairie (TX) native was a low three-star prospect in the 2022 class and a player Texas did not offer until Nov. 29 of 2021. That said, all Red has done since he arrived in Austin in June is impress.
It started in Fall camp when Red’s explosiveness and physicality earned high praise from the aforementioned Whittington.
Jordan Whittington compared Savion Red to Deebo Samuels earlier this week.
— Wescott Eberts (@SBN_Wescott) August 12, 2022
"He's super explosive... He gets the ball, runs it like a running back, a bigger dude." https://t.co/LKbl3Kvvfn
Red caught five balls for 33 yards during the regular season. Despite playing just 66 offensive snaps this season, I believe he has a chance to see some meaningful touches against Washington.
It is no secret that Coach Sarkisian is looking for improved depth in the receiving room. Because of this, I expect him to rotate in the younger guys a fair amount on Thursday. Red is one of those players who seemingly makes the most of every snap he plays.
I would expect Sark to give him one or two behind-the-LOS touches early in the game to see if he can create some momentum. Reports out of bowl practice are that Red has continued to impress the coaching staff, leading me to believe he will see an increased role against Washington.