Johntay Cook II Leaves Texas; WR Is Former 5-Star Prospect

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVNovember 7, 2024

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Texas wide receiver Johntay Cook II has left the program, according to ESPN’s Max Olson.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed his departure.

“We’ve had some roster movement today with Johntay Cook moving on,” Sarkisian told reporters in a media call. “We have nothing but respect for he and his family. Wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

Cook caught eight passes for 136 yards as a true freshman in 2023, and that production mirrors his 2024 return (eight receptions, 137 yards, two touchdowns).

The DeSoto, Texas, native was a big addition to the Longhorns’ 2023 recruiting class. A 5-star recruit, he was 29th overall in 247Sports’ composite rankings.

It’s unclear what precipitated Cook’s decision, though his usage had started to tail off. His last catch came in the 35-13 victory over Mississippi State on Sept. 28. He was held without a reception in the 34-3 demolition of Oklahoma and didn’t see the field at all in Texas’ two subsequent games.

Cook might’ve simply gotten crowded out in a receiving corps that includes Isaiah Bond, Matthew Golden, Ryan Wingo and DeAndre Moore Jr.

Given both his 5-star status and production as a secondary target though two seasons, Cook is likely to get plenty of interest in the transfer portal. A change of scenery will also allow him the opportunity to find an offense in which he’ll have a bigger role next year.