Steve Sarkisian: 'I'm built for this' drama that comes with Texas job

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has had a rough first year on the job, to say the least. And with all the turbulence that is gone on this year, some have begun to question his tenure with Texas. But on Monday, at the Longhorns press conference, Sarkisian did his best to ease some of those doubts.

When asked about the turmoil that has surrounded himself and the program, the head man for Texas football took this confident stance.

“I’m built for it, that’s how I feel,” opened Sarkisian. “I’m built for this, you know. There’s a lot that comes at you and I think my level of perseverance my level of compartmentalizing some of the issues that we’ve been faced with, hopefully, is a direct reflection of how our team deals with some of the things that that we’ve been faced with. And ultimately a lot of the things that we’ve been through this year I think you’re actually going to be really good for us that have hardened us for potential things are going to come down the road for us.

“I can’t envision that we’re going to have another year exactly like this with some of the things that we’ve been faced with — some of the heartbreaking losses, some of the things that have occurred off the field. But what I do know is if and or when some things arise again, I think that our team is now built for it as well,”

Sarkisian believes struggles have brought them closer

Sarkisian went on to highlight the obstacles his team has had to overcome and just this season alone.

“I have commended these guys a lot for what they’ve been through prior to me getting here in the time that I’ve been here. I touched on it before fall camp,” he said. “But I mean let’s not neglect the ice storm and all the things that have happened. Let’s not neglect the death of Jake Ellinger and the effect that that’s had on our players on our team and COVID. There’s been a lot and I know we’ve just isolating into the season. But ultimately I think that our team has been hardened by a lot of this stuff. But yet has brought us very close and that’s a good place to be as you’re building into year two.”

Texas star running back is staying put

With Texas’ six-game losing streak and players often in search of greener pastures, Robinson was asked why he plans to run in burnt orange next season. One reason was because he believes he can get better by playing in games. Another? The camaraderie of a locker room.

“A lot of people ask me that question,” Robinson said. “I know there’s some scouts that talk to agents and stuff that say I shouldn’t play this next year, but I’m going to play. I just love playing football so much and being a part of that team. It would just be hard for me to sit out and watch week to week when I could be out there contributing. I’ll be playing next year.”

Robinson also expressed confidence in the program Steve Sarkisian is attempting to build, one Robinson mentioned he takes an active role in recruiting other players to join.

“Now that I see what Sark is trying to do and who he wants, I’m trying to be that guy to come in from behind, say my little two words to them, and encourage them to come here as well,” Robinson said. “Sark is just really invested, and you can tell he’s really invested in all areas of this team. He wants things to happen now.”