Steve Sarkisian discusses downfield passing game, Xavier Worthy

With expectations rising for Texas football entering year three under Steve Sarkisian, the offense has been morphed into his image and should be primed to put up big numbers. Part of the Longhorns’ ability to create success will center on how Quinn Ewers is able to connect with Xavier Worthy and others down the field.

Exiting the spring game, Steve Sarkisian discussed how his quarterbacks and wide receivers continue building chemistry in the downfield passing game and what impact that could have on play-calling.

“I think the deep ball, we’ve put a lot of work into it, and we’re going to continue to work it,” said Sarkisian. “I just don’t think that we can say it’s fixed, but yet I thought we saw some positive things today. Obviously the deep ball to Xavier from Quinn, the deep ball from Maalik (Murphy) to Johntay (Cook), there was another deep ball that I thought Maalik threw on a pass to DeAndre Moore.

“So those things were really positives. And then there was arguably a PI or not on another deep ball to Xavier – which sometimes that’s the byproduct of taking your shots.”

While the spring game showcased steps forward, that does not mean Sarkisian’s work is done. He knows Texas will have to continue preaching the benefits to players.

“In coaching the old adage is, ‘you get what you emphasize,’ and we’ve been emphasizing that,” said Sarkisian. “And I think we’re seeing some positive results. So that’s a great thing because our offense is better when we can stretch the field.”

Steve Sarkisian on Xavier Worthy

Steve Sarkisian knows that to make that most out of this season, the Texas offense will need big-time production from its most talented wide receiver. After a bumpy 2022 season, he believes Xavier Worthy is ready to step up to the challenge.

“I think Xavier’s in a great frame of mind,” said Sarkisian. “Like I sad when we came back after the break, he fought through an injury last season that a lot of people didn’t know. And he never complained, he just continued to work, and I think that in his mind he’s thinking, ‘now that I’m healthy – what could’ve been last year – and now what could this year become coming in healthy and doing it the right way?

“So I think there’s good rapport between he and Quinn. I think his connection with his teammates is great. And at the end, I don’t think that he can worry about trying to win people over. I think he has to worry about being the best version of himself and in the end that’s good enough. I think people will love that aspect about him.”