Early leads in convincing victories throughout September have allowed Texas and head coach Steve Sarkisian to give several younger players valuable game experience.
Multiple talented freshmen for No. 2 Texas football have made significant contributions in the first five weeks of the season. Texas has started the regular season with an undefeated 5-0 (1-0 SEC) record, with none of the games being particularly close.
With early leads in four of their first five games, Sarkisian and his staff have been able to get developing underclassmen crucial live-game reps.
The Longhorns didn’t need to rely heavily on true freshmen this season, thanks to the depth and talent built across various position groups. The players who have stepped up early this fall have truly earned their place on the field.
Here are three true freshmen who have excelled on the field in September as they head into the bye week:
**Colton Vasek, EDGE**
Texas’s EDGE position is strong this season, featuring standout players like true freshman Colin Simmons, junior Ethan Burke, senior Barryn Sorrell, and redshirt junior Trey Moore.
Redshirt freshman Colton Vasek has also made a mark late in games, demonstrating his potential as part of the Longhorns’ defensive front. Despite only logging 20 defensive snaps as a pass rusher in the first five games, Vasek has recorded five quarterback pressures, two sacks, and three tackles for loss.
He secured the first sack of his collegiate career during Texas’s dominant 56-7 win over UTSA in Week 3, showcasing a quick inside move to disrupt the opposing quarterback. In last weekend’s SEC opener against Mississippi State, he notched his first SEC sack, effectively setting the offense back.
Vasek’s promising performance suggests he has a bright future on Texas’s defensive front, and his early progress should continue to pay off as the season goes on.
