Steve Sarkisian gives candid, passionate answer naming core leaders on offense

Steve Sarkisian knows a thing or two about adversity. Just six years ago, the first-year Texas Longhorns head coach had reached the college pinnacle as a young rising coaching star who had grinded his way to lead USC. Then he was fired due to personal issues he’s addressed publicly, again grinded his way back to Austin, at a time where the football program is under an even bigger spotlight than usual.

So naturally, when asked about leadership, Sarkisian gave a long passionate answer, single handedly naming every leader that came to mind, on the spot. Unless he’s the best actor or some sort of genius when it comes to “coach speak,” Sark’s sincerity felt real.

We are in a new world when it comes to college sports and every coach won’t be Lane Kiffin, but the candid, real response should have Longhorns fans excited. Sarkisian has coached the best. Leadership and chemistry seem to always be the traits that make talented teams truly great.

Steve Sarkisian on veteran core leaders

“From a leadership standpoint, I think Derek Kerstetter is just an obvious guy up front. He’s been through the fires, he’s been through the battles, he’s been through the ups and downs. I think he knows what it looks like. He’s been a steady leader for us, really since day one, when he wasn’t even able to perform.”

When on the field, Kerstetter has been dominant at various positions as he enters his fifth year at Texas. He rotated from right tackle to guard in his first few years, eventually taking over at center. He remained at center for eight games in 2020 but finished the last half of the season at right tackle. 

Sarkisian lit up when describing the leadership style junior running back Roschon Johnson brings.

“I think Roschon Johnson is just a natural leader. He’s got something about him that’s just infectious in his approach. “

The Texas head coach continued to elaborate.

“Cade Brewer, I think is a tremendous leader. Bijan Robinson, I think going into his sophomore year, has a lot of leadership qualities about him.”

The word leadership often goes hand and hand with the quarterback position when it comes to football at any level, but Sarkisian made a point to mention what he’s already seen from his young duo.

“And I like the presence, quite honestly, of both quarterbacks. I think both guys, in their own way, lead. And I’m excited for those guys to actually get faced with a little real-life adversity here in-game, and watch them respond to that.”

Finally, the new Longhorns’ front man mentioned a few key offensive pieces that he will look to as leaders in 2021.

“Ultimately I’m going to lean on Josh Moore in that receiver room. I’m leaving some guys out, obviously, whether it’s Christian Jones or Denzel Okafor, guys that have played a lot of football, as well. So we are in a pretty good spot that way.”

Sarkisian has seen the best and worked with the best. If he can get this talented group to buy-in and the chemistry stemming from leadership is real — the Texas Longhorns should be thrilled about the team’s potential in 2021.