Texas Football: Caden Sterns, Jordan Whittington both Probable for K-State

After indicating they were on track to return last week, both Jordan Whittington and Caden Sterns have been moved to the 'probable' list for this weekend's game against Kansas State.

Sterns and Whittington are both participating in team workouts, according to Herman.

Sterns, a 2018 Freshman All American, has been out since the Longhorns' 36-30 win over Oklahoma State when he suffered a sprained knee ligament. His return will certainly provide a boost for a Texas defense that is floundering near the bottom of the FBS rankings in many categories.

"He's just got a knack for the football," Herman said. "He doesn't mind throwing his body around at all."

While the former five-star recruit's physical skills are a big part of what he brings to the table, it's his preparation and football smarts that set him apart, according to his head coach.

"He's going to study every tendency, you know receiver splits backfield sets and be able to translate those studies into gaining a half step or step on certain plays," Herman said.

Jordan Whittington has been out since the beginning of the season after re-aggravating a sports hernia injury from high school. The Cuero, Texas athlete moved from receiver to running back during spring practice to great acclaim from the coaching staff.

Though just four games remain in the regular season, there is no plan in the books to redshirt Whittington. When asked about it, Herman said there was no reason to believe he would be at Texas for five years, meaning if all goes according to plan, the NFL will likely come calling No. 3 athlete in the 2019 class according to 247 Sports sooner rather than later.