Cam Coleman is set to be a game changer for Texas football, and if things go as planned, he might just be the program changer they need. The Longhorns’ newest wideout made his debut in burnt orange, and early impressions are as promising as expected. At 6-foot-3 and 201 pounds, Coleman moves with the grace of a gazelle and has the leaping ability that could make him a star on any court.
Spring football is underway, and reporters had a 35-minute window to catch a glimpse of Coleman and other new Longhorns eager to ensure last season's College Football Playoff miss was a one-time hiccup, not a trend.
Coleman, a former Auburn standout, looks more like a basketball player with his build, but his football stats tell a different story. With 93 catches, 1,306 yards, and 13 touchdowns in 22 games, his potential is undeniable.
Although we didn't see him connect with Arch Manning, head coach Steve Sarkisian assured us that Manning, recovering from minor foot surgery, did get some throws in before the media arrived. Patience is key, with months to go before the season opener against Texas State.
The Longhorns invested around $3 million to secure Coleman, aiming to pair him with emerging talents Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley V. With Manning, a top Heisman candidate, at the helm, the expectations are sky-high. Coleman shone even with backup quarterbacks KJ Lacey and Dia Bell throwing to him, catching everything in sight.
Sarkisian highlighted more than just Coleman’s speed and catching ability. “His work ethic, demeanor, and willingness to be coachable stand out,” Sarkisian noted. Coleman’s hustle during drills set a strong example for his teammates, proving that his price tag is matched by his effort.
Sarkisian has coached plenty of elite wideouts, from USC’s stars to Alabama’s NFL-bound talents. Coleman shares that playmaking gene, with a knack for winning contested catches. With his size and skill, he has the potential to match the college success of NFL stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson.
Coleman’s ability to turn average throws into big plays is a testament to his balance and body control. Sarkisian compares his skill to rebounding in basketball, a natural talent that’s been honed over his high school and Auburn years.
Sarkisian is eager to reignite Texas’s big-play offense, which slipped from 14th to 44th in passing last year. Manning’s late-season surge from 218.7 to 288 passing yards per game hints at the potential for greatness. While championships aren’t won in March, signing Coleman is a significant step toward the playoff aspirations of the Longhorns.