WATCH: Longhorns' Maalik Murphy, Johntay Cook Connect for Big TD in Orange-White Game

Through three quarters of Saturday's Orange-White Spring Game in Austin, Texas Longhorns quarterback Maalik Murphy showed why he's deserving of being the backup behind Quinn Ewers.

AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas Longhorns fans have been waiting to see the talent of quarterback Maalik Murphy with their own eyes.

And through three quarters of Saturday's Orange-White Spring Game in Austin, he showed why he's deserving of being the backup behind Quinn Ewers. He also helped dynamic freshman receiver Johntay Cook II show off in the process.

After Murphy's deep pass to freshman DeAndre Moore Jr. was dropped for what was a would-be touchdown, he went right back to the air on the next play, this time finding Cook.

Cook sprinted down the right sideline, as Murphy hit him for an impressive 79-yard touchdown. Despite having to slow down a bit to get level with the pass, Cook's speed still helped him easily outrun his defender.

Maalik Murphy hitting Johntay Cook deep for the TD 🤘@SmvOperator x @_jayythegreat_ pic.twitter.com/GulYTCK0UE
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) April 15, 2023

The score helped Orange close the gap on White a bit, making it a 21-10 game in the third quarter.

Cook suddenly became the game's leading receiver on the scoring play, putting him up to three catches for 87 yards.

Orange got the ball back in the fourth quarter with a chance to make it a one-possession game in an attempt at a comeback, but Murphy's pass at the front of the end zone fell incomplete on 4th and goal.

You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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