Last weekend, Texas football concluded its fall camp scrimmage sessions in preparation for the upcoming 2023 regular season. Under the guidance of head coach Steve Sarkisian, the team engaged in its second scrimmage on August 19, bringing them closer to the commencement of the campaign.
One standout performer in the latter stages of training camp, including the most recent fall scrimmage, is junior wide receiver Xavier Worthy. Notable acclaim has been directed towards Worthy for his strong showings in team drills and the preceding two fall scrimmages. Worthy secured multiple touchdown receptions across the last two weekend scrimmages, demonstrating his versatile offensive talent. He displayed aptitude in exploiting opposing defensive backs on short and intermediate routes during team drills and scrimmages, while also forming a strong connection with redshirt sophomore quarterback Quinn Ewers for deep-ball connections.
CJ Vogel of TFB Texas, highlighted Worthy's consistent dominance over every cornerback he faced during fall practice. Similar acknowledgement was extended to his performance in 7v7 exercises during summer workouts.
What stood out from Vogel's report was the assertion that Worthy has become a challenge to guard within team situations lately. Vogel reported that Worthy had an impressive scrimmage during the preceding weekend, making a handful of impactful plays in the passing game.
Worthy appears to be gearing up for a significant jump from his previous year and is stepping into the spotlight once again. This season is often regarded as a pivotal "contract year" for Worthy, and his performance throughout fall camp suggests that he's performing as if his NFL Draft prospects are on the line.
Furthermore, indications suggest that Worthy has developed a stronger rapport with his quarterbacks during this year's camp, particularly with Ewers. The natural chemistry between Ewers and Worthy has been evident in their deep-ball connections throughout team drills and scrimmages. Should Worthy recapture the rhythm he displayed as a true freshman in 2021, he could ascend as one of the premier players in his position nationwide this fall. Such a season could even position him as an unexpected contender for the Heisman Trophy.
Worthy is poised to benefit from the presence of several dynamic weapons in the receiving and running back units this fall. Texas boasts one of the strongest receiving squads in the nation this season, featuring talents like Worthy, junior AD Mitchell, redshirt senior Jordan Whittington, and redshirt junior Isaiah Neyor.
With the array of skilled options at Texas' disposal this year, Worthy is likely to find more space to capitalize on his playmaking abilities compared to the previous season, when he was often forced to contend with double coverage.
