Can offseason additions bring balance to Texas' passing game?

Texas’ main pass-catching threat during the 2021 season was true freshman Xavier Worthy. If opponents were able to stop Worthy, they stood a good chance of stifling the Longhorn passing offense.

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Inconsistent quarterback and offensive line play plus the lack of a secondary receiving option meant defenses could limit Texas through the air if they limited No. 8.

Sarkisian realized what his offense lacked during the season and sought to address it through high school recruiting the transfer portal. With the additions of Quinn Ewers, Isaiah Neyor, Jahleel Billingsley, and arguably the best offensive line class in school history, Sarkisian believes he can bring more balance to the passing offense and punish opponents who focus their attention on Worthy.

“I think now, we’re getting ourselves some balance here in where we want to go offensively where you can’t just hone in on one or two guys,” Sarkisian said Wednesday.

During the 2021 season, Worthy hauled in 63 passes for 998 yards. He was targeted on 102 of Texas’ 345 passing attempts. Percentage wise, he was responsible for around 30 percent of Texas’ receptions and targets.

Several factors led to Worthy receiving so many targets. First, quarterback play from Hudson Card and Casey Thompson was inconsistent. They looked to option one, usually Worthy, then couldn’t get the ball to option two for a variety of reasons.

Second, there was no reliable secondary option for the majority of the year. Jordan Whittington went down for an extended stretch due to an injury suffered versus Oklahoma, and Joshua Moore left the team after the loss at Iowa State. Even with two tight ends on the field for much of the year, the position only accounted for 31 catches for 224 yards.

Marcus Washington became WR2 following Moore’s departure. Though he had some positive stretches, his production was limited to 18 catches for 277 yards and two touchdowns.

Texas addressed quarterback with the addition of Ewers, who Sarkisian said Wednesday he sees growing in comfort at his new home.

“Obviously, the guy can throw the ball,” Sarkisian said. “He loves throwing the ball. He loves being around the guys.”

The issue of needing a second receiving option? Sarkisian hopes the additions of Neyor and Billingsley can help in that area.

“Ends up going to Wyoming, has a fantastic year this past year,” Sarkisian said about Neyor. “About 1000 yards, 12 touchdowns, and now an opportunity to come back home, which is a big addition for us at the wide receiver position.”

On Billingsley, who he was familiar with from his time at Alabama: “Obviously, a huge upside kid. A very talented pass receiver. Was a physical run blocker for us. Went on a national championship run, obviously losing the national championship game but a guy who comes from that program who we’ve had good success with.”

Neyor was Wyoming’s primary option this year no matter who played quarterback for the Cowboys. He’ll need to adjust to facing Power 5 competition in practice and on Saturdays in order to become a player opposite Worthy opposing defenses have to consider, but it’s a transition that should be doable for the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder.

Billingsley hauled in 35 catches for 543 yards and six touchdowns over the past two seasons for the Crimson Tide. Questions remain about his blocking, but as a receiver he provides an element at tight end the Texas offense hasn’t seen in over a decade.

Plus, Sarkisian mentioned he’s optimistic about the futures of Ja’Tavion Sanders, Gunnar Helm, and Juan Davis at the tight end position.

The other receivers who were already on the roster also factor into passing success. Whittington enters spring ball healthy. Sarkisian mentioned he expects a “big step” from Washington. Kelvontay Dixon has a chance to contribute, as does summer enrollee Brenen Thompson. Once they return to practice, Troy Omeire and Jaden Alexis will try to enter the rotation.

Of course, Texas’ run game powered by Bijan Robinson, Roschon Johnson, and even Keilan Robinson play a significant role in opening up Sarkisian’s play-action shots.

Add in potential difference-makers from the offensive line class like Kelvin Banks and Devon Campbell, and the Longhorns hope there’s not just one player to watch in the passing game this fall, but multiple.

“I think that we’re finding a little more balance… and hopefully, if you try to hone in on one or two guys, we have the weapons at the other spots that can really hurt you and create explosive plays,” Sarkisian said.