Steve Sarkisian on first impressions of defensive ends Barryn Sorrell, Justice Finkley

The Texas Longhorns are just a little more than a week away from the annual spring game. Fans will get to see their favorite returning starters but it’s also an opportunity to check out the young players who might contribute for Steve Sarkisian in 2022. Sarkisian shared his impressions of defensive ends Barryn Sorrell and Justice Finkley this week.

“I see two, kind of younger, players that flash at times,” Sarkisian started. “They show some physicality at times. There’s a little hesitation in both of their games right now, understandably so, seven practices in. I’m seeing, I think, incremental growth, which is positive.”

“We’ve got a long way to go with those two guys and at that position in general, of just really cutting it loose and playing the style of football that we want to play,” Sarkisian added. “I think they’ll get there. They’re both really conscientious kids. They work hard and take really good notes. They take notes and work hard in the weight room. It’s going to come, it’s just about how long it will take to get there.”

Barryn Sorrell is a 2021 signee out of New Orleans. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound defensive end was a three-star prospect coming out of high school but looks to factor in as a redshirt freshman. Justice Finkley signed with the 2022 class as a heralded four-star and top-150 player in the nation, per the On3 Consensus. His early enrollment with the Longhorns was a smart call as he tries to work his way into the rotation in year one.

Sarkisian on why Ohio State transfer Ryan Watts has made instant impact

As Texas remakes its secondary on the defensive side of the football, Steve Sarkisian has been impressed with former Ohio State defensive back Ryan Watts. In a media availability earlier this week, Sarkisian detailed how Watts has made an instant impact with the Longhorns.

“Tough to call,” Sarkisian responded, when asked if Watts was the best cover guy in the secondary. “He’s different. You know? Because of the length. When he can press you and get his hands on you, it’s very different than like DJ [D’Shawn Jamison], who can play top-down because of the speed and the change of direction. So, it’s also what style of player are you, and playing to your strengths as a player. And I think that that’s something we’ve tried to emphasize to those guys in the back-end.”

During two seasons at Ohio State, Watts accumulated just 11 total tackles and two interceptions. The former four-star recruit, per the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average, will be on the hunt for more with the Longhorns.

On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this report.