Johntay Cook II, a former five-star wide receiver for the Texas Longhorns, has been arrested twice within a two-week span, marking a significant downturn in his promising football career.
**Background and Early Promise**
Cook, a native of DeSoto, Texas, was a standout at DeSoto High School, earning recognition as the Dallas Morning News Offensive Player of the Year in 2022. His high school performance, with 84 receptions for 1,469 yards and 22 touchdowns, positioned him as a top recruit nationally. In 2023, he committed to the University of Texas at Austin, joining the Longhorns as a highly anticipated freshman.
**College Career at Texas**
During his freshman year at Texas, Cook appeared in 14 games, recording eight receptions for 136 yards. Despite expectations for a breakout sophomore season, he faced stiff competition within a deep wide receiver corps, leading to limited opportunities. In six games, he managed eight receptions for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Midway through the 2024 season, Cook entered the transfer portal, seeking a fresh start elsewhere.
**Transfer to Washington and Subsequent Dismissal**
In December 2024, Cook announced his commitment to the University of Washington Huskies. However, his tenure was short-lived; within 48 hours of meeting with head coach Jedd Fisch in January 2025, Cook was dismissed from the team. The reasons for his dismissal have not been publicly disclosed, but it marked a significant setback in his collegiate football journey.
**First Arrest: February 4, 2025**
On February 4, 2025, Cook was arrested in Tarrant County, Texas, on charges of misdemeanor theft and interfering with public duties. Reports indicate that he took car keys from a victim through a business window and failed to comply with officers’ orders, leading to his arrest. He was booked into the Lon Evans Corrections Center in Fort Worth.
**Second Arrest: February 14, 2025**
Just ten days later, on February 14, 2025, Cook was arrested again, this time in Grayson County, Texas, for possession of less than two ounces of marijuana. He was taken into custody by the Pottsboro Police Department and is currently held at the Grayson County Jail.
**Implications and Future Prospects**
These consecutive arrests have raised concerns about Cook’s future in football. His promising high school career and initial success at Texas have been overshadowed by legal issues and transfers. The combination of on-field talent and off-field challenges mirrors the trajectories of other former Texas wide receivers, such as Agiye Hall and Terrance Williams, who faced legal troubles impacting their careers.
As of now, Cook’s immediate future in football remains uncertain. The outcomes of his legal proceedings will likely influence his eligibility and prospects for returning to collegiate or professional football. For now, he remains in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.
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