In a recent practice session, Texas Longhorns' early enrollee cornerback Smoke Matthews found himself in tight coverage. Despite playing through the hands, Matthews couldn't disrupt the touchdown pass, as junior wide receiver Cam Coleman soared above him to secure the ball in the end zone. This moment showcased Coleman's exceptional ability to high point the football-a skill that has become his signature.
Coleman, an Auburn transfer, was a standout in the portal, ranked as the No. 6 player when he committed to Texas in January. This move was a significant offseason win for head coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff, adding a dynamic element to their roster.
Last season, Coleman made 13 contested catches for the Tigers, outshining the entire Longhorns team by six. Now, redshirt junior quarterback Arch Manning gains a reliable target who can be trusted to make plays even when tightly covered.
Sarkisian acknowledged Coleman's talent, saying, “I’m not naive to think that we’ve got some guys that can make plays on the ball. Obviously, Cam, that’s one of his skill sets that he carries with him that is a strong suit of his.”
While Coleman's prowess might not alter Sarkisian's play-calling, it certainly provides Manning with more options, allowing him to trust in Coleman's ability to win those crucial one-on-one battles. This addition could be a game-changer for the Longhorns' offense, offering a glimpse of the potential fireworks to come this season.