Last season, Xavier Worthy emerged as the go-to target for Quinn Ewers in the Texas offense. As a slender sophomore, Worthy accounted for nearly 30 percent of Texas' passing attempts in 2022. However, there were instances where he was targeted too frequently, particularly in games against Oklahoma State and TCU.
During the offseason, Texas made a significant addition to their receiving corps by acquiring Adonai Mitchell from Georgia. While injuries plagued Mitchell's career with the Bulldogs, he showcased his productivity in all four of Georgia's recent College Football Playoff matchups. Notably, he scored a touchdown in each of those games, including a pivotal score against Ohio State last season.
With Mitchell now on the roster, Worthy is poised to thrive without constantly fending off multiple defenders on every play.
"He’s a huge weapon to our offense," Worthy expressed about Mitchell during a recent interview. "His versatility is going to mean a lot to the team."
In addition to Mitchell, Worthy also credited Jordan Whittington for consistently alleviating the pressure on him and allowing Texas' other receivers to shine.
"AD, he takes a lot of stress off a lot of people, and Jordan Whittington in the slot too," Worthy acknowledged. "I feel like them being able to do what they do, I think that takes a lot of stress off me."
Mitchell, who hails from Missouri City, is thrilled to be closer to home with the Longhorns. Being in the Houston area allows him to spend more time with his family, including his two-year-old daughter Icylinn.
For the Longhorns, Mitchell's presence is a valuable addition. With Worthy, Whittington, Ja'Tavion Sanders, and the returning Isaiah Neyor, head coach Steve Sarkisian now has a multitude of explosive options in the receiving corps compared to relying solely on Worthy in the previous season.
"All the attention can’t just be on (Worthy)," Sarkisian emphasized. "You have to worry about other people on the field now."
This development is crucial for Worthy, as his reception percentage was just above 50% on his 113 targets last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Mitchell's arrival will create more opportunities, and he is excited to witness Worthy's exploits with them.
"That boy different," Mitchell praised Worthy. "The way he can turn it from zero to 100 in two steps. There aren’t guys who can do that. I personally can’t. He’s special."
Mitchell himself will also receive ample support. Having played alongside Brock Bowers at Georgia, he understands the impact a top-tier tight end can have on a passing offense. At Texas, Mitchell has already recognized those qualities in Ja'Tavion Sanders.
"JT, he’s an unselfish player and a leader," Mitchell commended Sanders. "He’s not just a one-dimensional tight end that’ll just catch the ball. He’ll put his face and hands on somebody. That definitely sets him apart. Just the leadership, every time I’m on the field with him, he always demands excellence."
With the likes of Worthy, Mitchell, Sanders, Whittington, and others, the Texas offense is primed for a strong season. Worthy himself is confident in the explosive capabilities of this unit.
"This offense is capable of a lot of things," Worthy proclaimed. "It’s just very explosive. We can hit you from anywhere, from backfield, to running backs, from one receiver to another receiver. I just feel like it’s a very explosive offense."
