Former Texas wide receiver Johntay Cook II left the Longhorns program after a disappointing sophomore season in which he saw minimal playing time once SEC play began. Since then, Cook has been on a downward spiral.
Cook committed to the Washington Huskies after leaving Texas but mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Jedd Fisch after being on campus for just a few days. Then, on Feb. 4, Cook was arrested on charges of property theft and interference with public duties.
Now, Cook has been arrested and charged with possession of marijuana in DeSoto, TX. Some Texas cities, such as Austin, Dallas, San Marcos, and more, have decriminalized marijuana – DeSoto is not on the list.
According to Grayson County's arrest records, Cook was charged and booked on Feb. 13 with less than two ounces of marijuana on his person.
Former 5-star Texas, Washington WR Johntay Cook arrested in Desoto, Texas on marijuana possession charges...
— On3 (@On3sports) February 14, 2025
Details: https://t.co/L9sCTOUFJ7 pic.twitter.com/l7M8dJq7fM
Cook was a five-star prospect when he was recruited by the Longhorns in 2022 and was graded a three-star prospect when he hit the transfer portal in December 2024. A big reason for the decline in his star rating was his lack of playing time at Texas.
Over two seasons with the Horns, Cook had just 16 catches for 273 receiving yards and two total touchdowns. Neither the Texas nor Washington athletic departments have commented on specific reasons why Cook left their programs.
Since leaving the Huskies program on Jan. 14, 2025, Cook has yet to commit to another program. The former five-star receiver is from DeSoto, where his second arrest took place. His first arrest, in early February, occurred just outside of Fort Worth, TX – approximately 40 minutes from his hometown.
Since the two arrests have taken place, Cook has not commented on his current status as an NCAA athlete or on the arrests themselves.