Texas is heading into November with the kind of wide receiver attrition that can expose a roster fast, but the Longhorns may have enough depth to keep the passing game moving.
The latest hit came against Mississippi State, when juniors Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo - Texas’ two most productive receivers - both exited early with injuries. That forced Steve Sarkisian to lean on the next wave of pass catchers, and in Monday’s media availability, he pointed directly to junior Emmett Mosley V as the player who helped steady things.
“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 answered with four catches for 98 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown against the Bulldogs, a performance that stood out in Texas’ offensive effort. The Longhorns usually work him from the slot, but Sarkisian said Mosley can be moved around and used in different ways.
Arch Manning said Monday that he wants to see Mosley featured even more over the next stretch.
“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 has already shown he can deliver in big moments for Texas. Last year in Starkville, Mississippi, he caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime against Mississippi State.
With injuries piling up, the Longhorns may also need their younger receivers to grow up quickly. Freshman Jermaine Bishop Jr. looks like the clearest candidate for a bigger role after posting 151 yards on 16 receptions this season. His speed, agility and early game experience give Texas another option if the injury issues continue.
Sarkisian also mentioned freshmen Kohen Brown and Chris Stewart as players who have impressed in practice and on special teams. Brown was named one of the program’s players of the game for his special teams work 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.”
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