A Texas Longhorns offense searching for more explosiveness could receive a boost from freshman wide receiver Jermaine Bishop, whose playmaking ability is putting pressure on the coaching staff to find ways to get him playing time.
After reportedly catching two touchdown passes during Friday’s practice, Bishop also had a receiving touchdown during Saturday’s scrimmage, continuing a trend of the 6’0, 166-pounder taking advantage of every opportunity afforded him.
“I think the one thing about Jermaine
that I really value about him, the moment is never too big for him,” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said on Saturday. “Whether we put him in with the ones in a two-minute drill, whether it’s with the ones in a red zone lockout situation, whether it’s putting him in with the ones in a situational masters walkthrough at night where it’s a very intricate situation, he’s very poised, he’s very composed, he’s very confident to go along with his ability.”
Known for bringing an upbeat energy to the meeting rooms and the field, Bishop also has the work ethic to maximize that incredible natural talent.
“He’s got playmaking ability. He’s a savvy route runner. He’s competitive. He’s tough,” Sarkisian said.
Considering Sarkisian’s historic reluctance to expand his wide receiver rotation, the fact that the coaching staff is finding ways to incorporate Bishop with the first team in high-leverage situations hints at the possibility of a package of plays for the dynamic wide receiver — the Willis product is clearly making himself undeniable with playmaking ability that Sarkisian needs to put to use.
“It wouldn’t surprise me at all in a couple weeks if he has a significant role offensively for us,” Sarkisian said.
