Texas senior linebacker Justin Cryer, a Florida State transfer turned defensive leader for the Longhorns, is known by his teammates and those close to him as “Juice.”
Cryer first received the nickname as a result of his burly stature from a young age, and it quickly spread and stuck.
But Juice isn’t just a nickname given to an above-average sized toddler from Houston. According to head coach Steve Sarkisian, it’s a word that describes what Cryer brings to the table everyday.
“This guy is squeezing every ounce of juice out of this experience,” Sarkisian said. “He didn’t just come in and (say) ‘Well, I want to play and go to the league.’ It’s like (he said) ‘I want to be part of a championship team. I’m gonna pour into this culture. I want to be a great teammate.’”
Since arriving at Texas, Cryer has become a critical part of the program’s defensive makeup and overall team atmosphere.
He wears the green dot for the Longhorns’ defense, containing an audio receiver in his helmet that allows for direct, one-way communication from coaches on the sideline. This isn’t typically a responsibility assigned to a first-year player in a program, but Cryer had previously worn the green dot at Florida State a year after it was introduced to college football in 2024.
Identified by Sarkisian as a “cerebral” player, Cryer has used his intelligence and physical capabilities to coordinate communication on the field and rack up 14 tackles across three matchups this season.
Off the field, his presence is equally as valuable as it is on it.
A recent instance of Cryer’s ability to lead took place last week following the arrest and one-game suspension of Johnny Nansen, Texas’ co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Cryer visited each linebacker’s hotel room, making sure they were mentally prepared to face UTSA the next day.
These leadership qualities are likely the product of the foundation he built at Florida State. During his time with the Seminoles, Cryer earned the Bill McGrotha Award twice — Florida State’s humanitarian accolade — and once received the Bobby Bowden Leadership Award in 2025.
Despite his early success, the senior admitted that it has been difficult at times trying to translate his leadership skills to a new team and culture. Recognizing that the room is composed mostly of transfers and younger players has required him to step up and tailor advice to each of their needs.
“We’re kind of a group that’s thrown together a little bit,” Cryer said. “We’re all kind of doing this for the first time. We’re doing it together, so that’s the biggest thing for us.”
Cryer also had company to settle into the Forty Acres with.
Rasheem Biles, Pittsburgh transfer and fellow senior linebacker, said that Cryer and him have worked in tandem throughout their transitions from different programs to play off one another’s strengths.
“Juice, that’s my guy,” Biles said. “We’re never gonna put each other in a spot that we know that’s like our weakness or something. Me and him, we really got a good little connection on the field.”
Cryer and company still have a long season ahead. However, in his short time with the program, the player endearingly known as “Juice” has gained an unwavering trust from those around him.
“He’s earned the respect of the locker room,” Sarkisian said. “He’s earned the respect of the coaching staff. He’s a pleasure to have. … We got a great person that’s wearing that green dot.”