Longhorns Country

One Texas Longhorns Freshman Starting to Standout in Spring Football

The Texas Longhorns freshman class is a talented one. That said, there is one player that seems to be standing out among the rest.

Matt Galatzan

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo during football spring practice at the Frank Denius
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo during football spring practice at the Frank Denius / Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman

The Texas Longhorns had a stellar haul in the 2024 recruiting cycle, finishing as high as No. 3 in the team class rankings (rivals.com) and no lower than sixth.

Among that elite haul, was a group of potential early contributors, led by edge Collins Simmons, tackle Brandon Baker, safety Xavier Filsaime, corner Kobe Black, and receiver Ryan Wingo - each of whom comes in at a position with major needs.

However, according to Steve Sarkisian, one freshman appears to be standing out above the rest so far.

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo during football spring practice at the Frank Denius
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Wingo during football spring practice at the Frank Denius / Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman

"The one guy that has shown up the most in my eyes would be Ryan Wingo," Sarkisian said. "I feel like the last week, he’s really starting to make some plays and you’re starting to see the size, speed, and athleticism. That would be the one guy I guess that I could point out there."

That said, that doesn't mean that the rest of class hasn't performed well. In fact, it has been quite the opposite.

Instead - as is typically the case with true freshman in their first few practices - it is just taking some time for the players to adjust to their new enviromnent

"I think they're all working hard. When you get to practice seven, there is a lot on their plate right now," Sarkisian said. "If you're an offensive player, all of the that we've installed, then you're trying to diagnose all of the defense, then put those two things together... And understand we critque effort first. And then we worry about fundamentals, technique and things of that nature."

But more importantly, Sarkisian has been extremely happy with the effort he has seen from each and every freshman in camp.

"They're all working really hard," Sarkisian said. "I don't have a complaint about any of those guys. They're all doing a really good job. I've been pleased with what they are putting into it."

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Matt Galatzan

MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan is the Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com, AllAggies.com, and the Managing Editor of BuckeyesNow.com and TheGroveReport.com He is also the Editor-In-Chief of RamDigest.com and TexansDaily.com. Galatzan graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration.  Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry under Mike Fisher at DallasBasketball.com in 2014, which at the time was part of the 247Sports network. He also spent two years covering the SMU Mustangs for PonyStampede.com on the 247Sports network.  When DallasBasketball.com and CowboysCountry.com moved over to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, Galatzan followed suit, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com and AllAggies.com a year later.  Through the years, Galatzan has conducted a handful of high-profile one-on-one interviews to add to his resume — in both writing and podcasting. Some of his biggest interviews have been with Mavs owner Mark Cuban, former Longhorns players Dan Neil and Phil Dawson, and many other recruits, and current/former players for each of the teams he has covered.  Galatzan is also a full-time employee in the digital media department for Audacy and KRLD FM's 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, which is the official radio home of the Dallas Cowboys.  You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels, including Twitter on @MattGalatzan For any inquiries, please email matt.galatzan@gmail.com