Steve Sarkisian discusses quarterback philosophy, lack of runs built into offense

When the Texas quarterback battle was being debated, one of the pros to Casey Thompson winning the starting job was his dual-threat ability. However, head coach Steve Sarkisian has yet to maximize that potential.

Sarkisian told the media on Thursday he is not a huge fan of calling plays that have his quarterbacks run the ball. He said their health is too important, finding teams are better when their quarterbacks are not injured.

“When it comes to running the ball, we are not a quarterback run system,” Sarkisian said. “I know a lot of people do it and they have success doing it. That’s not how we’re built. When the quarterback runs the ball, we try to take advantage of the opportunities when they’re there. Whether that’s third down, that’s in the red area, low red area. We do encourage them to use their legs to create positive yards when they can in the passing game but I have always been a believer of your team is always better when your quarterback is healthy.

“If we can minimize some of those hits on him over the long haul of a season, the healthier he is, the more accurate he is, that’s seemed to work for me over the years.”

Sarkisian limits quarterback runs

The head coach went on to say just because he is not a fan, does not mean he will not call a couple of plays every once in a while. However, once you hit the double-digit carry territory for the quarterbacks, he gets uncomfortable.

“I just haven’t been a big quarterback run guy,” Sarkisian said. “That’s not to say we haven’t done it and we do do it but it is very specific when we do do it. I think it’s worked well for us, I just don’t know if I really feel comfortable going down that road with our quarterback carrying the ball 10, 12, 15 times a game.”

On the season, Thompson has 51 carries for 148 and four touchdowns. Hudson Card, who has been named the backup heading into West Virginia, has 24 carries for -2 yards and a touchdown.

With running back Bijan Robinson out for the season, and Texas limited at running back, Sarkisian may have no option but to run his quarterbacks a few times a game. If Thompson is the one playing, he has the ability to make plays with his feet. Something the Longhorns could need to make a bowl game.