Texas’ defense received some fair criticism after an abysmal 2021 season.
Opposing offenses ran up and down the Longhorns defense throughout the entirety of the year, leading to a 5-7 start to the Steve Sarkisian era.
One player who could play a major role towards a bounce-back year for the defense is senior defensive back Anthony Cook.
247Sports named Cook among players who are “ready to silence the critics in 2022.”
This former top-100 recruit for the Longhorns is a super senior and was moved to his stronger position this spring at the safety spot after playing corner last fall. Considering the Longhorns are expected to play a lot less zone coverages in 2022, Cook should be in spots to make plays — and has already shown a knack for doing so in camp. Cook managed an interception in the spring game and looked fluid at the back end. The Texas secondary has been a cause for concern in recent years, but Cook is one of several players hoping to change that perception this fall.
The position change and another year in Pete Kwiatkowski’s system should bode well for a breakout year from Cook. He was one of the few reliable playmakers on Texas’ defense in 2021.
Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions.