Freshmen expectations for Texas' 14 early enrollees

A whopping 14 members of UT’s No. 3 recruiting class are early enrollees who will begin trickling into Austin starting today. Expectations are obviously high for a class headlined by elite talents such as Arch Manning, Johntay Cook, Cedric Baxter, Malik Muhammad, Anthony Hill, Sydir MItchell, and so many more. Amazingly, each just mentioned are part of the early enrollee class, meaning in addition to being top talents, they’re also getting a jumpstart on their college development

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While excitement is justifiably high for this group, fan expectations should be somewhat tempered, at least initially. Sure, there’s plenty of opportunity for playing time for the freshmen, but most have more seasoned players ahead of them. Still, many will carve out an important role next season, especially at linebacker, receiver, and running back.

Let’s take a look at each, with only freshmen expectations in mind.

Arch Manning, QB, New Orleans (La.) Isidore Newman: Manning could play as a freshman but there likely won’t be a need and redshirting has always been the plan. He’ll be a great influence in the quarterback room with his studious habits, football intelligence, and competitiveness.

Cedric Baxter Jr., RB, Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater: Baxter will play early, not only because he’s an elite talent with college ready size, the roster necessitates it. There aren’t many bodies to begin with, and he’ll possess the most power and between-the-tackles ability the day he arrives. 120+ carries next year sounds about right.

Johntay Cook II, WR, DeSoto (Texas): Cook is already technically savvy with the confidence of a college upperclassmen. He should find his way into the rotation early and make his share of plays next year before becoming a dominant player. I’ll be curious to hear how well he blocks this spring.

DeAndre Moore, WR, Los Alamitos (Ca.) St. John Bosco: He has safety toughness and a good, sturdy build. I like him as an inside receiver more than outside. He will be ready to play as a freshman but his path to the field won’t be as clear as Cook’s.

Jaydon Chatman, OL, Killeen (Texas) Harker Heights, Connor Stroh, IOL, Frisco (Texas) Wakeland, Andre Cojoe, IOL, Mansfield (Texas) Timberview, Payton Kirkland, OT/IOL, Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips: Healthy programs redshirt their O-line and that’s the expectation with these four, though Chatman *could* probably play early if needed. Stroh will continue his transition to Paul Bunyan. Cojoe turns just 17 this month. Kirkland is the biggest and could also potentially play as a freshman — if he was needed. Barring injuries these guys will get time to properly develop. The position requires a lot of development: mentally, physically, and technically.

Sydir Mitchell, DL, Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic: T’Vondre Sweat returning was a huge win for the program but Texas will still miss Keondre Coburn. After a full winter conditioning and offseason program I could easily see Mitchell logging 20 snaps a game next year to help make up for the loss of Snacks.

Colton Vasek, EDGE, Austin (Texas) Westlake: Vasek has the physicality and technical ability to play as a freshman but he’ll have some capable players ahead of him, namely Barryn Sorrell and Jaray Bledsoe. A role in his freshman year similar to his former high school teammate, Ethan Burke, makes sense.

Anthony Hill, LB, Denton (Texas) Ryan: He’ll definitely play and possibly start. Ian Boyd breaks down Hill’s chances to replace DeMarvion Overshown here.

Derion Gullette, LB, Teague (Texas): Gullette tore his ACL last summer and is still rehabbing. It’s a major positive he can complete that rehab under the oversight of a college program. He needs a lot of mental reps at linebacker which he’ll get this year but expect him to redshirt. It’s one thing to heal, it’s another to get back to playing comfortably and playing fast.

Liona Lefau, LB, Kahuku (Hawaii): Perhaps the most underrated player in the class. Lefau will definitely play and possibly start. Where as Hill more aptly fits Will linebacker, Lefau’s traits transfer well to Mike. Of course that’s Jaylan Ford’s position, but Lefau will likely get a look at Will as well due to need.

Malik Muhammad, CB, Dallas (Texas) South Oak Cliff: Muhammad is the mirror opposite of Johntay Cook. Like Cook, Muhammad is also confident, technically savvy, and smooth. Neither are big, but they play big and their frames are filling out. Those two will make each other better day in and day out. I expect Muhammad to play as a freshman even if Texas already has good corner options. He’ll have the best cover corner traits in the program upon arrival.