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Johntay Cook, Peyton Bowen, and Most Impactful True Freshmen in the Big XII

Which first year players will be difference makers in the Big 12?

Staff| May 21, 2023 (Updated: July 9, 2025)
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Sep 28
Sep 28

1. WR Johntay Cook, Texas

The silky-smooth receiver from in-state power DeSoto showed why he was such a coveted recruit during spring ball, flashing outstanding route running skills. Despite having Xavier Worthy, AD Mitchell, and other veteran receivers on the roster, Cook will see plenty of snaps this fall.

Apr 15, 2023; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Johntay Cook II (2) catches a pass during the second half of the Texas Spring Game at DKR- Texas Memorial Stadium.

2. DT John Walker, UCF

Being in the state of Florida, the Knights are bound to get some solid recruits every year, but Gus Malzahn did a phenomenal job with the 2024 class, headlined by Walker. The in-state four-star defensive tackle has a chance to be a day-one starter as he is equally comfortable against the run as he is at disrupting the pocket from the interior.

https://twitter.com/LeoSportif/status/1647023170010988545

3. DB Peyton Bowen, Oklahoma

The Sooners’ defense struggled a lot in 2022, especially in the secondary, so landing the five-star from Denton, TX, was a huge win for Brent Venables on signing day. He’s a hugely versatile piece on the back end.

Abilene High receiver Frederick Johnson tries to break a tackle by Denton Guyer’s Peyton Bowen during the first half of Saturday’s Region I-6A Division II semifinal at Globe Life Park in Arlington Dec. 26, 2020. Final score was 38-21, Denton Guyer.

4. DB Brenden Jordan, Texas Tech

Another versatile defender, Jordan is going to push for playing time immediately in Tim DeReuter‘s defense. His football IQ is off the charts, and he has the requisite athleticism to play a ton of different roles.

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Texas Tech defensive back Brenden Jordan takes part in spring practice.

5. WR Jordyn Bailey, TCU

An absolute jitterbug, Bailey is incredibly shifty and explosive with the ball in his hands. Sonny Dykes will find creative ways to get the ball in the diminutive receiver’s hands in space. 

https://twitter.com/AndrewHatts/status/1578537572779036673

Category: College FootballTag: Brenden Jordan, George Gumbs, John Walker, Johntay Cook, Oklahoma Sooners, Peyton Bowen, Phat Watts, TCU horned frogs, Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Red Raiders
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