At media availability for the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, former Texas Longhorns tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders reflected on his time in Austin, but also extended his confidence for where the program is headed.
Texas receiver Johntay Cook is expected to play a bigger role next season, as Sanders praised the promising potential of the soon-to-be sophomore ahead of the 2024 campaign
"Getting to play under Xavier (Worthy) his freshman year and look at things Xavier did. I feel like that's how Sark is going to use him as well. He's got the placement... hands, IQ..." Sanders said.
When asked who is the fastest between Worthy, Cook or himself he gave no hesitation commenting Worthy. Sanders projects his 40 time to be on the low side of 4.6 at this year's NFL Combine.
Throughout his college tenure, Sanders demonstrated impressive speed for his position, posing an immediate threat to defensive backs. His speed and nimble feet allow him to excel in the open field, creating separation on various routes and breaking away with the ball. With above-average play strength, he navigates contact effectively and maintains concentration to secure catches in traffic. Additionally, he proves valuable as a pass protector.
Sanders' open-field speed enables him to separate on routes of all depths and occasionally break away with the ball. Despite some clunkiness on sharper route breaks, his above-average play strength aids him in fighting through contact effectively. With excellent ball skills and unwavering concentration, Sanders consistently demonstrates reliable catch technique, thriving even in traffic.
But as Worthy and Sanders head for the draft, Cook is set to step into a more prominent role among the wide receiver corps. Despite limited playtime as a freshman in 2023, Cook's five-star recruit status and top-three ranking among wide receivers in his class underscore his potential impact, especially in Worthy's absence.
As a freshman, Cook caught eight passes for 136 yards. He and the Longhorns will take the field in front of fans for the first time this offseason during next month's Orange-White spring game on Saturday, April 20.
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