Steve Sarkisian Raves About Texas' Transfer Portal Additions At Wide Receiver
The Texas Longhorns had a tremendous season in 2023, but fans did worry a bit about the future of the offense following the news that all three of their starting receivers were declaring for the NFL Draft.
Obviously, it is a good sign when you are pumping out NFL-caliber talent, but to lose them all at once gave some fans flashbacks to dark times. There was a time when losing Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Collin Johnson, and Devin Duvernay across a couple of years decimated the offense. However, things are different with Steve Sarkisian at the helm.
The Longhorns quickly rebuilt their receiver room after 2023, and thanks to the transfer portal may have one of the best, if not the best, in the entire country.
Nov 25, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Isaiah Bond (17) scores the game-winning touchdown over Auburn Tigers cornerback D.J. James (4) during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Following the departure of projected first-round picks Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell, as well as projected late-rounder Jordan Whittington, Sarkisian went out and landed talented vets. He brought in the speedy Matthew Golden from Houston, added Alabama's top receiver Isaiah Bond, and also plucked Silas Bolden from Oregon State who is electric as they come.
When speaking to the media on Wednesday, Sarkisian raved about what Texas is getting in Bond, citing the fact he doesn't even think we have seen the best of the pass-catcher who hauled in 48 catches for 668 yards this past season.
“Electric receiver for us," Sarkisian said of Bond. Guy that we recruited hard out of Buford High School in Georgia. Went to Alabama and had a tremendous year for them this year. Great deep ball player, deep threat, elite speed. We think there’s more to his game than just that.”
He also touched on Bolden, who racked up 54 catches for 746 yards and five touchdowns while adding two scores on the ground, and a put return for a touchdown.
“Another elite speed receiver for us," Sark said of Bolden. "Veteran player, had a great year last year at Oregon State.”
While many assume the starters will be the three transfers, it is also worth noting that former five-star Johntay Cook II has been in the system for a year, and the Longhorns landed 2024 five-star Ryan Wingo. Something the head coach alluded to, as he made it known that there would be a competition amongst everyone.
“That room is going to be really solid," Sarkisian said. "We’ve just got to find that right group of guys once September rolls around.”
To make matters even better for the Longhorns who are looking to build off a season that saw them win the Big 12 and appear in the College Football Playoff, they return start quarterback Quinn Ewers. Assuming Ewers takes another step forward as a passer, the Longhorns could be home to one of the most electric offenses in the country.
