Steve Sarkisian believes Texas is seeing the best versions of David Gbenda, Kitan Crawford

Texas defensive back Kitan Crawford and linebacker David Gbenda have been good bit players for the Longhorns over the last few years. But head coach Steve Sarkisian believes they are finally coming into their own this spring after years of hard work.

“David Gbenda had a good spring, but I think it started for David in winter,” Sarkisian said. “He had a good winter conditioning. He was very intentional in his approach, not only from a physical standpoint in the conditioning aspect of it all, but also in getting with coach Choate and digesting the scheme and what it looked like and how we wanted him to play and its showing up. He’s playing good football for us, probably the best version of David Gbenda that we’ve seen to go along with Kitan Crawford.”

Gbenda and Crawford were both highly-regarded players coming out of high school. In the 2019 On3 Industry Ranking, Gbenda is the No. 167 overall recruit and No 20 linebacker. Crawford ranks as the No. 144 overall recruit and No. 11 cornerback in the 2020 On3 Industry Ranking.

The On3 Industry is a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four major recruiting media services. The On3 Industry Ranking is the most advanced, complete and unbiased rating and ranking measurement in the industry. 

Both players have played in a lot of games over their careers but it has been mostly on special teams and in spot starts. Gbenda has played in 32 games with three starts while Crawford has played in 33 games with one start.

“I think this is the best version of Kitan Crawford,” Sarkisian said. “He’s still doing what he’s always done on special teams. He blocked a field goal Saturday, which is what we always expect of him is the special team stuff. But what he’s doing in the secondary now is very comforting to know that a guy can grow into that position.”

Steve Sarkisian says David Gbenda, Kitan Crawford are good role models for younger players

Steve Sarkisian hopes that younger players on the team who aren’t happy with their current roles can look to Kitan Crawford and David Gbenda for inspiration.

They didn’t transfer out of the program. They stuck with it and are now reaping the benefits.

“The beauty of it is with those guys, they’ve earned their opportunities,” Sarkisian said. “Now they’re getting their opportunities and they can be a model for a younger player who, living in this world of instant gratification of they show up and why aren’t they starting now? Well, here’s two prime examples of guys that have grown into a role and have worked at it to now contribute to the team. We’re very appreciative of it because we invest a lot in our players from the moment they arrive. When they stick it out, one year, two years, three years now in their case, and now they can reap the benefits of the work they’ve put in the investment we’ve made in them in all capacities of life, it’s a win for everybody.”