Steve Sarkisian addresses one big reason for excitement on Texas defense

While speaking with media members on Monday, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian gave one big reason he’s excited for his defense this year. Entering his second season as the head of the Longhorns, Sarkisian believes his defense is fully bought in to his vision and are playing like a full unit instead of individuals.

Steve Sarkisian high on his defense

During his press appearance, Sarkisian was asked about the level of cohesion and comfort that his defensive players have said they feel this year. One thing that multiple Texas defensive stars have said in interviews of their own is that they’re working together much better as a unit.

“I do feel it,” said Sarkisian of his defense’s comfort level. “I’ve talked it kind of big picture about our team, but I definitely feel it on defense. I feel like we’re playing as one. We’re not playing as eleven individuals, but we’re actually playing as one. I think there’s been really good communication.

“I think that the front guys have kinda started that. You know, we’ve got great leadership there, obviously with Morrow and Coburn and Sweat. Guys who have been there. And then the emergence obviously now of Byron Murphy and Vernon Broughton. So I think it starts there but it’s kind of matriculated its way into the back end. Anthony Cook‘s played a lot of football. Granted he’s playing a different position — he’s played a lot of football. D’Shawn Jamison has played a lot of football. There’s been some new fresh faces back there, obviously with Ryan Watts and Kitan Crawford, so on and so forth.

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“At the end of the day, I definitely feel them playing as a unit and I think that’s why we’re flying to the ball better. We’re creating more turnovers, things that were important to me and I think they’ve taken that to heart. And they’re doing it collectively — it’s not about one guy. They’re all doing it together. So that part is exciting for me.”

Texas finished last season with a disappointing 5-7 record after starting out very hot. Despite an early loss to Arkansas, Texas rattled off big wins over Texas Tech and TCU before a narrow loss to rival Oklahoma. Unfortunately, the Oklahoma loss was the first of a six-game losing streak that featured a loss to Kansas.

This year, Sarkisian will look to establish Texas as a threat again as the upcoming move from the Big 12 Conference to the SEC draws closer. The Longhorns get an early chance to shine with a second-week matchup with Alabama that will be played in Texas on Sept. 10.