Steve Sarkisian opens up on spring, summer, 35 newcomers in Austin

On3 imageby:Justin Wells07/14/22

ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian spoke on 104.9 The Horn this morning during the second day of Big 12 Media Days. 

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-Sarkisian noted it’s been a long six weeks of summer so far. Sarkisian said he took a step back to review the program. 

-With 35 new scholarship athletes on campus composed of 28 freshman and seven transfers, Sarkisian noted the Texas staff worked on a lot of team building exercises including coach-to-player meetings as well as more player-to-player sessions. 

-Sarkisian noted how the recruiting calendar has changed over the last two years with official visits, unofficial visits, and camps in the spring and summer.

“June is intense,” said Sarkisian. “July is for recharging.” 

-Sarkisian spoke about a few of the newcomers like Quinn Ewers, Ryan Watts, and Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey. With Ewers, he reminded the listeners this was a re-classified player and is still adjusting to life in Austin. Sark noted Watts has been tremendous, and that Tucker-Dorsey was a boost to linebacker depth. Sark mentioned the impact the transfer portal can have when grabbing the right guys. 

-Sarkisian spoke about Hudson Card and mentioned he saw more development from the Lake Travis product. They went back and watched his tape from 2021 and saw a lot of really good things through the inconsistency. Sarkisian likes how Card handled this spring. 

-Sarkisian mentioned the older guys are leading the younger guys, and that’s the first sign of a player-led program. Names like Roschon Johnson and other seniors that have become living examples of what they want at Texas. 

-Sarkisian noted that Bijan Robinson gets so much attention, on and off the field, but that they have to put weapons around him. The competition’s focus will be on stopping Robinson and they have to help him. 

-Sarkisian loves the development along the offensive line with Kyle Flood. He said the competition is going to be fierce with the influx of seven freshmen offensive linemen now on campus. Sarkisian wants to see how they hold up when the pads start popping. 

-Sarkisian said Bo Davis and the defensive line have made great strides this spring and summer. Sarkisian said he believes Davis is “the best defensive line coach in the nation.”

-Sarkisian spoke about the linebackers and the progress they’re making, especially Jaylan Ford, who “has stepped up big this spring and summer.” 

-Sarkisian loves the unselfishness of the secondary, with players changing positions. Kitan Crawford has been a wonderful surprise, Anthony Cook and Jerrin Thompson’s versatility stand out, and Jahdae Barron and Jaylon Guilbeau are holding down the STAR/nickel spot. 

We’ll have more from Sarkisian and the players later today.  

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