Texas players that will need to step up following injuries

Texas received bad news Sunday afternoon.

Per reports, gifted and hard-working receiver transfer Isaiah Neyor and indispensable leader Junior Angilau could both be dealing with a season-ending knee injury.

Steve Sarkisian will no doubt sympathize with the players, but will be also tasked with putting a team on the field in three weeks.

One of the deepest positions on the team appears to be dwindling down. Neyor’s injury and Agiye Hall’s suspension leave a vacancy at wide receiver I am not sure who will fill.

There is one Isaiah Neyor on this team. Savion Red has emerged as a potential impact player but likely will play in the slot. Jordan Whittington, Tarique Milton and Brenen Thompson also figure to play from the slot.

Outside of those four Texas could turn to Casey Cain, Troy Omeire or Jahleel Billingsley to play on the outside. Cain is still unproven, while injuries have derailed Omeire’s past playing opportunities.

As for Billingsley, the talented pass catcher presumably would have to learn an entirely new position.

Here’s a look at players who may be called upon to step up in the absence of injured players.

Keilan Robinson

AP Photo/Chuck Burton

Some are reporting that Roschon Johnson likely suffered an ankle injury. If it’s an ankle sprain he could be out for around a month. Somebody will need to spell Bijan Robinson. One of those players will likely be Keilan Robinson. The lightning fast running back transferred from Alabama last offseason. Robinson will likely be motivated to face his former team in Week 2.

Jonathon Brooks

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Jonathon Brooks figures to share some of the remaining carries left in Roschon Johnson’s absence. Assuming Johnson returns to practice the week of the Alabama game, Texas may not rush him back without a full week or two under his belt.

Brooks is one of the most underrated players to sign with Texas in recent years. The complete running back could make an impact in the first few games.

Cole Hutson

Austin American-Statesman

You’re in, rookie! In reality, Hutson was already on track to start for Texas this season. But the first-year lineman could be relied upon to bring consistently strong play up front. Playing early would be a challenge, but an opportunity for the highly skilled freshman. Hutson is not the only freshman who has a good chance to start the opener.

Kelvin Banks

Already making waves in practice, Banks joins Hutson as the most game-ready offensive linemen on the team. They also infuse size and talent that the team did not have last season. Banks could lock down the left tackle position, but another player will be needed to fill the veteran cornerstone role of the line.

Hayden Conner

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Among returning players, Hayden Connor might be the most consistent lineman. In one sense, it is concerning that perhaps Texas’ most seasoned lineman received limited playing time last season. In another sense, Texas will take whatever they can get from upperclassmen up front.

Ja'Tavion Sanders

Syndication: Austin American-Statesman

If you thought the Longhorns frequently used two tight end sets before, wait until you see what Texas has planned this season. Ja’Tavion Sanders could be the most complete tight end Texas has had in awhile. Certainly the best receiver at the position, if Jahleel Billingsley does not earn that distinction this year.

Tarique Milton

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Tarique Milton and Jordan Whittington may see their roles transform this season. Perhaps like Lil’Jordan Humphrey against Texas Tech in 2018, you might see one or both play on the outside. Milton’s veteran presence and skill set could make life easy on whichever quarterback takes the field.

Story originally appeared on Longhorns Wire