Steve Sarkisian shares expectations for running back room

Texas returns a lot of talent on offense from the 2022 squad, but one notable position will require someone less proven to step up: Running back. With Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson off to the NFL, Steve Sarkisian knows someone will have to step up and take on the role of top dog in the running back room.

But he also knows that doesn’t have to happen right now. Amid spring practice and with a few more experienced running backs banged up, right now is as much a chance to just see what the Longhorns have got as opposed to making any decisions.

“At the end, we’ve got a long way to go to figure out until September, when we play. We’ve got a lot practices still to go. We’ve got a whole summer conditioning program to go through. So I’m not as pressed for somebody to just kind of take the bull by the horns right this second. Ultimately, by the time the games roll around, somebodies gotta be the first guy to jog off the sideline when we break the huddle. But we’ll figure that out. We have time for that,” Sarkisian said.

Additionally, it’s possible that it might be a pair of running backs earning carries with the ones. There’s a lot still to be learned about how the 2023 Texas team will shake out.

“And if it’s one, if it’s two, what does that look like? We’ve got really good coaches on staff, we’ll figure that out. These guys are competing at a high level and it’s a very talented room. But I do think we have some time until we get to that point,” Sarkisian said.

The three running backs on the roster who carried the ball in 2022 — Jonathan Brooks, Keilan Robinson and Jaydon Blue — combined for 316 yards on 70 carries. And Sarkisian noted Brooks and Robinson have been slowed with some injuries, giving the coaches a chance to look further down the depth chart.

“So it’s allowed Jaydon Blue, it’s allowed Cedric ‘CJ’ Baxter, it’s allowed Savion Red, it’s allowed these guys more opportunities, to figure them out,” Sarkisian said.

However, there are limits to how much can be learned.

“Runners probably need the most live reps so that we can gather enough information as far as, can they take care of the football. Can they pass protect. Can they create explosive runs? Can they break tackles? That’s the stuff we’re really trying to dig into with these guys, is how do they look when we’re really playing?

“And not just in seven-on-seven or in drill work. ‘Cause runners come alive when it becomes live. And we’re trying to figure out who those guys are, who can pass protect for the quarterback. Who’s got a really firm understanding of what we’re trying to do offensively,” Sarkisian said.