**Former Five-Star Recruit Johntay Cook Departs Texas Longhorns**

AUSTIN, Texas - In a move that has raised eyebrows, sophomore wide receiver Johntay Cook has decided to leave the Texas Longhorns football program, a mutual decision confirmed by head coach Steve Sarkisian. The announcement comes less than six weeks after Cook's notable dropped pass against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, a game that marked the Longhorns’ SEC debut.

“Obviously, we've had some roster movement today with Johntay Cook moving on. We have nothing but respect for he and his family. Wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors,” Sarkisian stated in his introductory remarks following the announcement.

Despite Cook’s significant potential, reflected in his ranking as a consensus five-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting cycle, his time with the Longhorns was short-lived. Cook’s commitment to Texas in June 2022 was seen as a major recruiting win for the team, securing him over competitors like Michigan, Oregon, and Texas A&M. According to 247Sports Composite rankings, Cook was the No. 29 player overall and the No. 3 wide receiver at the time.

Cook played a limited role last season, recording just eight catches for 125 yards over 125 snaps. This year, despite high hopes, Cook saw his playing time diminish significantly. He played 30 snaps in the season opener against Colorado State and 39 against Louisiana-Monroe but saw limited action once SEC play began.

The high-profile drop against Mississippi State seemed to mark the turning point. After playing seven snaps in that game, his involvement dwindled, logging only four snaps in the Cotton Bowl blowout against the Sooners and none in subsequent games.

Coach Sarkisian had recently stressed the importance of getting Cook more involved, especially during the bye week after defeating Vanderbilt. However, in a recent Monday discussion, Sarkisian did not mention Cook among the young players who had shown promise, suggesting a disconnect that eventually led to Cook's departure.

Johntay Cook’s tenure at Texas concludes with eight catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns this season. As he enters the NCAA transfer portal, Cook is expected to attract significant interest from other programs, underscoring the untapped potential of the former five-star recruit.