Longhorn Louisiana natives eager to play in the Superdome
The No. 3 Texas Longhorns have a number of Louisiana natives on the 2023 roster. The Horns staff has been vigilant around the state during the Steve Sarkisian era and now those prospects and playets get to play closer to home in the Sugar Bowl vs No. 2 Washington.
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Arch Manning, Derek Williams, Casey Cain, Gavin Holmes, J’mond Tapp, Christian Rizzi, Will Randle, and Barryn Sorrell are all from Da Boot. Inside Texas caught up with Sorrell only days from the College Football Playoff in New Orleans on New Year’s night.
How does UT’s starting EDGE feel about playing in New Orleans in the Superdome?
“It’s just unreal,” said Sorrell. “It’s a blessing to be able to come back. Seeing my teammates experience this, for most of them it’s their first time in to a city like this. It’s great to see everybody’s reaction and to be back home. I’ve been a couple of games (to the Sugar Bowl) as a kid, and the atmosphere is unreal. So thinking about playing in it is a blessing. It’s the Superdome, it’s the center of the city and the heart of the city.”
Texas Defensive Coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski has built a strong defense for the Horns in 2023. Sorrell is one that’s benefitted a lot.
“PK is my guy,” Sorrell said. “He’s got a very good personality, funny guy, laid back, and he does what he’s got to do. He works very hard, and I feel like that’s why we get along really well. Coach PK is very exaggerated on the details and I feel like that’s really one of the most important things that people overlook. He is a reserved guy, but he’s focused on those details. So when he does say things, you kind of think about it and want to put more emphasis on hitting those details and doing those things right. I think that’s why I am the player I am today.”
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Sorrell won the National Football Foundation Scholarship presented by the Allstate Sugar Bowl Chapter out of high school, and now is coming full circle to play in the Sugar Bowl on Monday.
“It meant a lot,” Sorrell said. “We went to the ceremony and everything. It was a great experience for me in high school, and a great experience for my family to be rewarded for all the hard work I did on and off the field. It’s crazy how life goes around like that. But I’m back and I’m excited to be able to play in this Bowl. It does have a little special feeling to me, seeing that connection from high school to playing in this game.”
