AUSTIN, Texas – Caden Sterns knew he could set a trap.

A true freshman starter at safety, Sterns saw TCU star wide receiver Kavonte Turpin sitting further back in the backfield than normal. When a quick screen pass went Turpin’s way, Sterns saw that he’d have a chance. Playing in a field safety role, Sterns delayed his break a tick before rushing to cover what he knew would be a pass. He wanted Turpin to lob the throw down the right sideline to what looked to be a wide-open Jalen Reagor.

“I was trying to bait him so he’d put some air under it,” Sterns said.

well that backfired. pic.twitter.com/v4JF8Ro5gy — FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 22, 2018

Coming seemingly out of nowhere, Sterns picked up one of his two interceptions on the day in a 31-17 Texas win over No. 17 TCU. Those INTs, plus five tackles, are why Sterns is the 247Sports True Freshman of the Week.

The former five-star will likely be much more than that for Texas, however.

A Day 1 starter in Austin, Sterns is already drawing some of the highest possible praise from his coaches and teammates.

“Hell of a football player,” said Texas head coach Tom Herman. “He’s always around the football. He’s got a natural knack. He’s got great ball skills. Being around the football is one thing, but being able to make plays is another.”

Ask Sterns who he most looks up to at safety and the first person out of his mouth is former Longhorn all-pro Earl Thomas. Ask him why, and the reasoning is quite simple: “His instincts are all-world.”

It seems that a Longhorn legend and a future one have something in common then.

If that distinction for Sterns seems premature, consider that star Texas receiver Collin Johnson said of Sterns postgame: “There’s Caden, the young goat over there.” Ask for clarification if the spelling of goat came in caps or not, Johnson made a heady prediction for the future: “It’s in baby letters right now. In a couple of years it’ll be capital letters.”

Returns thus far provide evidence for that thesis.

The top-ranked safety in the 247Sports Composite for the 2018 class, Sterns won Texas’ starting job with room to spare in fall camp. Thus far the freshman from San Antonio has totaled 15 tackles (sixth on the team) and a trio of interceptions, which is tied for the second most nationally.

“He has a bright future,” said Texas linebacker Gary Johnson. “That guy gives everything he’s got, in practice, film or whatever. … It’s crazy to have a young guy that’s ready to produce and make big plays in front of 100,000 people.”

When asked about his future goals, Sterns isn’t shy. He lists off a Thorpe Award – something another of his mentors Michael Huff won – and championships for the program. Many of those goals are listed on his dream board. So are four to five pictures of wolves.

Sterns is fascinated by the creatures. A giant tattoo of a wolf graces his right arm, and he studies Animal Planet shows to learn the tendencies of the animals.

“I just like how interesting they are,” Sterns said.

When wolves hunt, they do so as a pack. But most importantly, wolves believe in the element of surprise. They stay out of sight until they’re ready to attack. Then they strike.

That’s exactly what Sterns did when he intercepted Turpin’s pass down the right sideline.

So when you ask Sterns how he’s able to produce like this at such a young age, don’t expect a particularly enlightening answer. He’s just hunting for footballs with his pack like he’s always done.

“I always felt comfortable,” Sterns said. “This is the same game that I’ve been playing since I was young. It’s no different. It’s just a bigger stage with better athletes.”