Steve Sarkisian rates Texas defensive backfield

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has watched his defensive back group more close this spring. Last season the Longhorns struggled on defense and were ranked 100 in the NCAA for total defense. One group, in particular, was targeted by opposing offenses: Longhorns secondary. And so far, during Texas spring practice, the defensive backs have been given a thumbs-up rating by their head coach.

“Well, I think what’s good is, you know, we have some guys that have moved to some different spots, right,” said Sarkisian. “Kitan Crawford is playing safety, you know, Anthony Cook is playing safety now, and not so much nickel. Jahdae Barron is kind of in base defense playing corner but then playing star. So I like the progression that we’re at in those spots you know with those guys kind of moving. … I like the competitiveness of our younger players. (Jaylon) Guilbeau, Terrance Brooks; I thought Jamir Johnson now that he’s kind of back full health going his shows some things and the two young safeties show some.”

Seven of the Longhorns’ 10 members of their secondary were a part of last year’s team. However, junior Ryan Watts, a transfer from Ohio State, looks to impact the team immediately and is listed as a starter. Along with him, the freshman duo of Brooks and Guilbeau, Watts is likely to see ample playing time next season.

“This time of year in spring, practice should be about growth,” the second-year head coach said. “Every time we take the field, we should be trying to grow to be to improve as a player. You know are we doing the necessary things, whether it’s fundamentally, taking the extra time to study so that we don’t make the same mistakes over and over and if we can do that, then minimize the mistakes; that’s the growth. And as we grow individually, we’ll grow collectively as a team, and I think, for the most part, we’ve done that.”

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

As Texas remakes their 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.

It’s evident Steve Sarkisian is expecting a lot out of Ryan Watts — time will tell if he can deliver.