Steve Sarkisian reveals what Keilan Robinson brings to running back room

Texas running back Keilan Robinson has had an up and down career. He originally committed to Alabama out of high school and even earned time for the Crimson Tide as a true freshman. He finished with nearly 40 carries in 2019, his first season, and racked up 254 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Heading into his sophomore season, though, Robinson opted to redshirt due to COVID concerns. And Eventually, he left the team altogether, hopping into the transfer portal to head to Texas where, last season, Robinson returned to form. He wasn’t the featured back but he did play in 10 games, totaling 322 yards and three touchdowns.

Heading into his fourth college season, Robinson likely figures to stay put in the running back rotation. However, the team needs his occasional spark out of the backfield.

At a recent press conference, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian was asked about his veteran running back. Specifically, how Robinson is an important part of the running back room even though he’s not the star ball carrier.

Here was Coach Sarkisian’s response:

“Well, I think one thing Keilan provides is, you know, he’s an experienced guy. He’s been around college football a lot. He’s been around it at a high level. Made a lot of big plays in his career at both stops. He’s interesting because he’s very confident. So he can have a little bit more fun. He’s a little bit more loose.”

So Sark loves Robinson’s game and the way it’s used currently. Plus, his attitude is one to replicate for the next generation of Longhorns, according to Steve Sarkisian:

“I think that that’s good for our young players to realize. It’s still the game, right. It’s as hard as we want to coach it and we want to play it. When you’re confident and you can be relaxed, that sometimes, that’s when we play at our best. And Keilan has the ability to do it. He’svery versatile. He’s mature. And I do think he has a positive impact on our younger players. Because he knows what the standard is and and what’s acceptable and what’s not. And he’s not afraid to share it, you know. So that part’s been good.”

Perhaps the best running back in the nation returns for Texas in Bijan Robinson. So he’ll get the bulk of the carries. But perhaps Robinson can prove enough with a second year as a backup that he should get the starting spot as a senior next fall.