Steve Sarkisian says the vision is clear for Jordan Whittington this season
Texas wideout Jordan Whittington scored his first touchdown of the 2022 season on Saturday versus Iowa State and following the performance, head coach Steve Sarkisian said the now-healthy junior is as dialed in as ever before.
“Jordan, to me, is a guy who has been riddled by the injury bug his entire career,” Sarkisian said. “He came in with so many high hopes and aspirations and expectations that he finally feels so good and feels so healthy and is so dialed into who we are, what we’re about, what our culture is, what our schemes are that I think he really enjoys playing football. And that’s what it should be, you know?”
Whittington’s joy was perfectly captured during last week’s win as he ran to celebrate the touchdown with the beloved Bevo.
CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel
“I think in this day and age of NIL and transfers and all this stuff going on, it’s clear to see the guy or the guys that play for the love of the game,” Sarkisian said. “I think Jordan Whittington loves playing college football t the University of Texas and it shows in every snap. He plays every snap like, ‘this might be my last one… That’s what you’re striving for with your entire team and he exemplifies that.”
Through seven games this season, Whittington has 28 catches for 381 yards. He’s tied for second on the team in receptions and solidly in second in receiving yards. It’s already his most productive season in Austin.
Sarkisian raves about ‘unbelievable human being’ Bijan Robinson
Steve Sarkisian has a star-level player in his arsenal with running back Bijan Robinson. The junior broke out for the Longhorns last season and has carried it over to his 2022 campaign.
Sarkisian spoke very highly of Robinson during his press conference on Monday.
“ I think that one thing that I value about Bijan that, I don’t know if it makes him different than other people, but, for being as good of a player that he is, I really think it’s the person that makes him different,” Sarkisian said. “He’s an unbelievable human being. I always say he’s a better person than he is a player.
“But he doesn’t leave that person in the locker room. He brings him onto the field with him. He’s not a selfish person at all. He’s selfless and it’s not about Bijan. It’s not about how many carries, it’s not about how many touchdowns. It’s about the team. He cares so much for his teammates that, ultimately, I think his teammates play for him too.”
Robinson has rushed for 780 yards and 10 touchdowns, as well as 239 receiving yards and a touchdown, so far this year.
“In the end, I think that’s what makes him unique. Obviously, he has a great skill set. His ability to run the football with speed, with power, with elusiveness. His hands, his route running ability. All those things are great physical attributes,” Sarkisian said. “But, to me, what makes him unique is the person that he is. the guy inside him. That to me is what makes him different.”
On3’s Sam Gillenwater contributed to this report.