Texas Football: 3 Horns summer enrollees pushing for early playing time
By Shane Black
Ryan Niblett, WR
No. 64 nationally, No. 10 wide receiver
Aldine Eisenhower (Houston, TX) graduate Ryan Niblett was a football and track star at the Texas 6A level. He has speed that will translate to the college game immediately.
Niblett was a high four-star recruit ranked as the No. 3 receiver in the state. He is a versatile athlete who played many different positions at Aldine Eisenhower but has transitioned to full-time wide receiver in Austin. Yes, the Longhorns have one of the country’s most talented wide receiver rooms, but I still believe Niblett can be an immediate contributor with the speed he brings to the table.
Looking at the current depth chart, the four names ahead of Niblett are Xavier Worthy, AD Mitchell, Jordan Whittington, and Isaiah Neyor. That puts him in a battle with Casey Cain and fellow freshmen Johntay Cook and DeAndre Moore for reps. While I expect Cook to see the field more in 2023, Niblett’s game-breaking speed will be something Coach Sarkisian utilizes.
Look for Sark to sneak Niblett on the field a few times a game to catch the defense off guard with an end-around or shot over the top. I would also be surprised if his speed was not utilized in the return game.