Injuries from scrimmage dampen the Horns’ mood in first Hookem.com newsletter

Good morning, Texas fans —

Today, we’re starting a revamped Hookem.com newsletter that allows us some freedom to go more in-depth on the day’s top stories with a touch of personality.

That said, we were hoping for a little more upbeat debut than this.

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian met with reporters after Monday’s practice and broke the bad news that five players were injured during Saturday’s scrimmage. That included two starters — offensive lineman Junior Angilau and transfer receiver Isaiah Neyor. Both suffered torn anterior cruciate ligaments and will be lost for the season.

Sarkisian also detailed how running back Roschon Johnson, defensive back Jahdae Barron and offensive lineman Cole Hutson are likely out this week with various injuries. All are expected to be ready for the season opener on Sept. 3, though.

The quarterbacks weren’t exactly on target Saturday, and there was some sloppy ball handling, too. Sarkisian said the quarterbacks competition is “tight” at the moment between Hudson Card and Quinn Ewers.

Also on Monday, it was learned that Texas will start the year unranked in The Associated Press Top 25. UT would be ranked No. 27, if the poll stretched that far.

Frankly, this should be welcome news inside Moncrief. It lowers the pressure, to a degree, if not the expectations. Someone voting in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll put the Horns at No. 1. Was that Nick Saban just pulling Sarkisian’s chain? Maybe. We still don’t know.

But now, the Horns have serious work ahead. The offensive line was already projected to be young with the influx of freshmen. Losing Neyor is a huge blow, especially when considering that Sarkisian suspended transfer receiver Agiye Hall last week. If there ever were a time for Troy Omeire to engage, it’s right now.

Texas fans can come out to Royal-Memorial Stadium and judge things for themselves at 7 p.m. tonight during the team’s open practice. Admission is free, and fans can sit on the stadium’s west side. They’ll be giving away the annual team poster. Parking is free in Trinity Garage, the one south of Royal-Memorial Stadium.

Busy week ahead, that’s for sure. Should be an interesting journey this season for this newsletter. And for the Horns, too.

Have a great day, wherever you may be.

— Brian Davis, Texas beat writer, Austin American-Statesman

We want this to be interactive. Got questions about Texas or comments? Email bdavis@statesman.com or follow on Twitter via @BDavisAAS.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Busy few days for the Texas Longhorns in first Hookem.com newsletter