Texas Football: 3 OK State WRs the Longhorns should pursue in the portal

Stephon Johnson Jr.

Another proficient athlete among the Oklahoma State transfer wideouts that could be a nice fit at Texas in Sark’s offense is true freshman Stephon Johnson Jr.

The 6-foot-2 and 180-pound Johnson might be the most talented and elusive of the former Oklahoma State wide receivers to enter the portal so far this offseason. He also looks the part of one of the most underutilized receivers in the Big 12 during the 2022 season.

Despite putting on a show against teams like Texas, the Wisconsin Badgers, and FCS Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Johnson was only targeted 37 times during his true freshman campaign. Of those 37 targets, Johnson hauled in 18 receptions for nearly 300 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

Johnson was absolutely electric when he got the ball in his hands.

In fact, he led all Big 12 wide receivers in missed tackles forced per reception (five avoided tackles on the season) and contested catches per target. He also ranked in the top five among Big 12 receivers during the 2022 season in yards after the catch per reception (8.8).

During his one season playing for the Pokes, Johnson was often utilized as a hybrid z-wide receiver. He often lined up out wide (on more than 94 percent of his snaps at wideout in 2022) and was given the ball on screens and intermediate passes. Although, I can’t help but think that given Johnson’s speed and elusiveness in the open field, he could be a formidable deep ball threat.

The combination of Johnson’s speed and elusiveness in the open field with his route-running versatility makes me think he could be a nice long-term fit at Texas. He’s got the tools and the potential to be a long-term contributor and should be able to secure a spot on the two-deep depth chart right away.