Texas Football: Top 5 breakout candidates for 2017

BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Chris Warren III #25 of the Texas Longhorns scores a touchdown against cornerback Josh Drayden #20 of the California Golden Bears in the first quarter on September 17, 2016 at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California. Cal won 50-43. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

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LAWRENCE, KS – NOVEMBER 19: Wide receiver Collin Johnson #9 of the Texas Longhorns reaches out but can’t hold onto a pass against the Kansas Jayhawks in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Entering the 2016 season, which would be Charlie Strong’s last, the Longhorns brought in a talented crop of recruits. One happened to be Collin Johnson, the No. 175 overall recruit in the class, according to 247Sports.

Johnson, now entering his sophomore season, looks to be the perfect red-zone target. Although he didn’t have the biggest impact on the offense as a true freshman, he wasn’t exactly a slouch, either. His 6-foot-6, 215-pound frame made for some matchup nightmares with opposing secondaries and you can expect more of that as he starts in 2017.

With his huge frame, he’s going to be a force in Big 12 play. Opposing secondaries already have to guard against speedy wide outs in the Big 12, but not often do they have to account for a 6-foot-6 monster.

Although he will have to battle Devin Duvernay and Jerrod Heard for targets, there’s a good chance Johnson could be the team’s No. 1 receiver by season’s end. He caught 28 passes for 315 yards and three scores in 2016.

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