Steve Sarkisian shares Texas' most pressing need in 2024 cycle
Steve Sarkisian took some time to explain where Texas‘ focus was during their recruiting cycle for 2024.
The Longhorns are preparing for the College Football Playoff, but they’re also looking towards the future, as well. One position group Sarkisian focused on throughout was his defensive back room, and Texas landed some major players.
During an appearance on SEC Network earlier this week, Sarkisian elaborated on his efforts, and why he was happy Texas solidified their backend.
“For us, one of the keys is you have your normal numbers you’re looking for and then you have to look at what’s happening to us portal-wise. I think naturally, when you look at the safety position, we knew we needed safeties but then with some of the attrition at that position, we had to make sure that we solidified that spot. And I think we’ve done a good job of that,” Sarkisian said, via SEC Network.
Among their signees, defensive backs Xavier Filsaime, Kobe Black, Wardell Mack, Santana Wilson and Jordon Johnson-Rubell are headed to Austin. Additionally, the Longhorns landed a major transfer in safety Andrew Mukuba from Clemson. That’s some serious fire power.
Steve Sarkisian was worried about his defensive backs, but he doesn’t have to worry any longer. The Longhorns are set and ready to roll moving forward.
Steve Sarkisian opens up on what playoff berth has done for recruiting
In his third season as the head coach at Texas, Steve Sarkisian led the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff. It’s a berth that not only has given Texas a chance to win a national championship but momentum moving forward too.
During National Signing Day, Sarkisian made an appearance on the SEC Network. He explained that the berth in the CFP is going to make things easier moving forward in recruiting because it shows proof of concept.
“I think one of the keys is you talk about what we’re gonna be early on,” Steve Sarkisian said. “Going into Year 1, coming out of Year 1. Year 2 you can show some of the progress. Year 3 it’s kinda like, ‘Well, here it is, this is what we said we would be doing.’ It makes things a little bit easier, I think, for the recruits and their families to see it first-hand, rather than try to project what it looks like.”
While Sarkisian does think that making the College Football Playoff helps, he also emphasized that there are a lot of factors that go into recruiting beyond just making the CFP.
“And I think the other things that’s really critical to our success in recruiting is our current players. They do a great job. And our guys understand the better the players are around them, the better we’ll be as a team, the more opportunities they get to win championships and hopefully fulfill their dreams of playing in the NFL, things of that nature,” Sarkisian said.
“Ultimately, our players get a lot of credit for this recruiting class as well because without them talking about the program, how we go about our business, solidifying some of the thoughts people have, it makes it a lot more difficult. So really, really thankful for those guys and proud of the work they’ve put in this recruiting class as well.”