USATSI
Texas wide receiver Isaiah Neyor and offensive lineman Junior Angilau suffered serious knee injuries during the Longhorns’ first scrimmage of the fall, potentially putting their 2022 season in jeopardy, according to 247Sports. Neyor’s initial diagnosis is reportedly a cruciate ligament rupture but both players are seeking a second opinion.
Running back Roshon Johnson also reportedly suffered a sprained ankle during the same scrimmage and was spotted with hiking boots, but his injury is not expected to be a long-term problem. Johnson, a converted quarterback, has been the team’s second-best rusher for each of the past two seasons.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian is scheduled to meet with reporters Monday.
Regardless of the severity of the injuries, losing Angilau and Neyor at any time would be a major blow to a Texas team that has high hopes for Sarkisian’s second season.
A projected left-back starter, Angilau has 34 starts in his career, including 12 last year. The senior started the 2021 season on the right flank before finishing the last six games on the left. He’s the most experienced offensive lineman on the Longhorns’ roster and won’t be easily replaced. Freshman Cole Hutson could get the first crack having received reps at right guard during camp, but the former four-star recruit is still in his freshman year.
Neyor, a new signing with the Longhorns, spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career in Wyoming and led the Cowboys last year with 44 receptions for 878 yards and 12 touchdowns. That was good enough to earn him the honors of the second All-Mountain West team and helped put him on the 2022 preseason watchlist for the Biletnikoff Award. The junior’s big-play ability was another potential weapon in a group that included Xavier Worthy (62 receptions, 981 yards, 12 TDs last season) and Jordan Whittington (26 receptions, 377 yards, 3 TDs).
However, Neyor’s injury is just the latest blow to the depth chart. Agiye Hall, a transfer from Alabama, has been suspended indefinitely after being arrested for criminal mischief. Hall is charged with damaging a parking trunk, which is considered a Class B misdemeanor.
Texas begins the season September 3 against ULM and meets Alabama in Week 2.