Nick Moyle Sep. 18, 2018 Updated: Sep. 18, 2018 8:37 p.m.
AUSTIN — A wolf’s face covers nearly the entirety of Caden Sterns’ left forearm. It stares out, stoic and pensive, a tranquil state belying the animal’s capacity for savagery.
The bottom of that tattoo swirls into another, this one a silhouette of a lone wolf howling against the backdrop of a full moon.
The artwork, inscribed in black ink, fits the Texas freshman safety.
UT director of recruiting Bryan Carrington christened Sterns the “Wolf of DKR,” and the former Steele All-American thus far has lived up to the moniker.
Sterns’ rise has been meteoric, even by his lofty standards. He arrived in January as an early enrollee, settled into starting role alongside junior Brandon Jones, and after only three games has invited comparisons to Seattle Seahawks All-Pro Earl Thomas, one of the greatest safeties in Texas history.
Sterns is not willing to proclaim himself the second coming of Thomas. That wouldn’t be in his nature.
But his initial foray into college football already has validated the considerable hype that accompanied him as the top-ranked safety in the class of 2018. Sterns ranks sixth on the team with 10 tackles and has demonstrated a flair for the spectacular with a pair of striking plays against Tulsa and then-No. 22 USC.
On the first snap of a 28-21 win over the Golden Hurricane, Sterns baited quarterback Luke Skipper into heaving a pass downfield to receiver Keylon Stokes, who for a moment seemed alone. But the 6-foot, 205-pound defensive back swooped in, stretched for the ball and stomped one foot down before plunging into his own sideline.
Sterns’ teammates didn’t offer to help him up. Instead, they dog-piled on the freshman, celebrating his first career interception as if it were their own.
His second highlight, in front of a Royal-Memorial Stadium-record 103,507 spectators, was even more stunning given the opponent and the game’s implications.
With the Trojans trailing 23-14 and set to attempt a 50-yard field goal, Sterns slithered through an open sliver in the protection and blocked the kick. Linebacker Anthony Wheeler grabbed the loose ball and returned it 46 yards for a game-breaking touchdown.
That trust has been rewarded as coaches and teammates now understand how special No. 7 is.
Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD athletic director Scott Lenhoff, Steele’s head coach from 2013-17, was familiar with Sterns’ capacity to thrive in the spotlight even before his emergence at Texas. Lenhoff even lined up the safety at receiver in a few dire circumstances, and of course he delivered.
Sterns never questioned whether he could play at the collegiate level, though his internalized confidence is sometimes difficult for outsiders to grasp. He doesn’t beat his chest or engage in much banter.
Those who mistake Sterns’ reserved nature as a weakness end up paying for their miscalculation.
Texas does not lack for veteran leadership. The defense’s opening-day lineup featured eight seniors and two juniors, with Sterns the lone underclassman.
“I like to, outside of football, just chill and be myself,” Sterns said. “But other than that, I want to consider myself as a leader and lead by example in a positive way. Some leaders just talk and don’t lead the right way.
If these first three games are any indication, the Wolf of DKR and his pack will do plenty of feasting over the next few years.