3 Texas underclassmen winning starting jobs early in camp

Johntay Cook II, WR

Cook is the other true sophomore for the Longhorns who has taken the bulk of the first-team practice reps at wideout in the first half of preseason camp. He looks to be a favorite to lock down a starting spot for the Longhorns in the receiving corps entering the regular season in a few weeks.

From what we've heard from various practice and scrimmage reports in the last couple of weeks, Cook has been difficult to cover and made a lot of highlight-reel catches in camp. In the scrimmage last weekend, it sounds like Cook had one of the best catches of the day among his multiple grabs on the day on passes from both Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning.

Yet, just because Cook has looked good while receiving most of the first-team practice reps at wideout, it doesn't mean that he's a lock as a starter entering the regular season opener on Aug. 31 against Colorado State. Bolden and Golden both have the ability to push Cook for those starting receiver reps in practice over the next few weeks and in the scrimmage this upcoming weekend.

Texas's receiver have reportedly had some issues with drops in the last week or so in practice. I think the best way for Cook to work himself firmly into the rotation and wide receiver this fall in the SEC will be to consistently show reliable hands and good effort blocking for the run.

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