Texas football coaches love seeing these freshmen already making big plays so early as Longhorns

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian made it clear going into the season opener that anyone who was on the two-deep depth chart would play in the first half. The second-ranked Longhorns had a rotating cast of characters throughout the day.

It doesn’t matter to this Texas coaching staff. No matter your age, if you can play, you are going to play.

Multiple Texas freshmen have gotten onto the field in the first two games, and they’re making plays. It’s a huge compliment to Sarkisian and the coaching staff’s ability to evaluate talented playmakers who can help the Longhorns win as fast as possible.

Here’s a look at some of the freshmen have played and had an impact in Texas’ 2-0 start:

Michael Kern, punter

Normally, the punter wouldn’t be the first one that comes to mind. But Kern won the starting job and has averaged 39.3 yards per punt the first two games. He’s punted four times total. Kern won three state titles at St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.. He was ranked the fourth-best punter prospect in the nation by 247Sports. If Texas never sees him on the field, the Longhorns would be happy.

Related: Texas football fans should expect to see Arch Manning the next two games or something has gone wrong

Ryan Wingo, receiver

Wingo made a nice splash in the season opener with four catches for 70 yards. But his most impressive feat came against Michigan. In the third quarter, Wingo had an explosive 55-yard run down to the Michigan 3-yard line. Three plays later, quarterback Quinn Ewers found Jaydon Blue just inside the pylon for a score, giving Texas a 31-6 lead.

Jerrick Gibson, running back

Two running backs were lost with injury in training camp. Then against Michigan, Texas fans held their breath as Blue hopped off the field on one leg. He would eventually return. But temporarily, Gibson and sophomore Quintrevion Wisner took over. Gibson had 10 carries for 36 yards and went roaring into the end zone from seven yards out to give Texas a 14-3 lead.

Colin Simmons, defensive end

Simmons played on two state championship teams at Duncanville. He was considered the No. 1 edge rusher in Texas by most recruiting services. Simmons got on the board against Michigan with his first career sack — Texas’ only sack of the game. Just the first of many for this speedster off the edge.

Wardell Mack, defensive back

Mack probably got the biggest kudos from the defensive coaches after the season opener because he preserved the shutout. Mack made an interception in the back of the end zone that finished off UT’s 52-0 win against Colorado State.

Parker Livingstone, receiver

Livingstone got into the game in the fourth quarter against Colorado State and was targeted by backup quarterback Arch Manning. The fourth-down pass attempt fell incomplete, and Livingstone appeared to get his cleat caught in the turf. However, that’s not what had Sarkisian upset. The coverage called for Manning to throw in a different direction. Livingstone will get more chances as the season progresses.