Former DeSoto High School and Texas Longhorns football player Johntay Cook II was arrested on Tuesday morning in Fort Worth, Texas, facing misdemeanor charges of property theft and interference with public duties.
Cook, a highly-rated five-star recruit from DeSoto, Texas, joined the Texas Longhorns in 2023. During his tenure, he appeared in 20 games, recording 16 receptions for 273 yards and two touchdowns. Notably, both touchdowns were scored in a significant victory over UTSA on September 14, 2024.
Midway through the 2024 season, Cook entered the transfer portal, signaling his intent to leave the Longhorns. On December 28, 2024, he announced his transfer to the University of Washington. However, on January 14, 2025, Cook re-entered the transfer portal, leaving his collegiate football future uncertain.
The arrest has raised concerns about Cook’s future in collegiate football. Universities and athletic programs often conduct thorough background checks on prospective student-athletes, and legal issues can influence recruitment decisions. The outcome of the legal proceedings will likely play a significant role in determining Cook’s athletic career trajectory.
This incident adds to a series of legal challenges faced by former Texas Longhorns players in recent years. In April 2024, defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Sweat, who had an outstanding collegiate career, was a top prospect for the NFL Draft at the time of his arrest.
These events highlight the ongoing challenges that collegiate athletes may face off the field, underscoring the importance of personal conduct and legal compliance in shaping their futures both within and beyond the sports arena.
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