November is here, which means depth is an increasingly prominent concern on just about every college football roster in the nation. Texas is experiencing that just as much as any other team.
In the wide receiver room alone, the Longhorns saw juniors Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo — their two highest performing players — leave the game against Mississippi State early due to injuries.
But even as unanticipated boots, slings and crutches become more common, Texas might just have enough pass catchers to survive November.
And for that, fans can cautiously thank junior wide receiver Emmett Mosley V and a handful of younger receivers starting to earn head coach Steve Sarkisian’s trust. In a Monday media availability, Sarkisian highlighted Mosley’s role to fill in the gaps Coleman’s and Wingo’s departures left.
“For Emmett to step up and really make some explosive plays for us, I thought was critical,” Sarkisian said. “He’s more than capable of that. He’s a high-level player. He’s very smart. He’s very savvy.”
Mosley finished with four receptions for 98 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown against the Bulldogs, helping headline his team’s offensive effort. The Longhorns typically use him as a slot receiver, but Sarkisian noted that he is versatile and can be weaponized in different areas.
Senior quarterback Arch Manning echoed that sentiment on Monday, adding that he would like to get the ball to Mosley more often throughout these next few matchups.
“I’ve got a lot of confidence in (Emmett),” Manning said. “He does everything right. (He’s a) very smooth route runner. He can kind of do it all. I’m excited for him. … (We’ve) got to get him the ball more because he’s a dangerous playmaker.”
Mosley is known for his ability to show up when the Longhorns needed him these past two years, most notably securing a game-winning touchdown in overtime against Mississippi State last year in Starkville, Mississippi.
In addition to Mosley, Sarkisian will probably have to deploy some of his younger receivers more throughout these next few weeks.
Freshman Jermaine Bishop Jr. is an obvious choice to receive an uptick in reps, given that he has already racked up 151 yards on 16 receptions this season. His speed, agility and early experience make him a strong candidate to play more if Texas continues fighting an uphill battle against injuries.
Sarkisian also singled out freshmen wide receivers Kohen Brown and Chris Stewart as younger players who have looked strong in practice and on special teams. Brown was even recognized as one of the program’s players of the game for his work on special teams against Mississippi State.
“These guys’ numbers are going to get called at some point,” Sarkisian said. “They gain confidence on special teams, and then that kind of translates to offensive and defensive football.”
With a tough slate ahead and a lot of injuries up in the air, Texas will need to do everything it can to generate momentum in all facets of the game. Luckily for the Longhorns, the wide receiver room might not be one they have to worry about quite as much as people might think.
