Steve Sarkisian raves about Bijan Robinson, how he opens up Texas offense

Texas running back Bijan Robinson is one of the best players in all college football. He’s led the Longhorns in rushing the last two seasons yet is just as much of a threat in the passing game. The junior will be in contention for both the Heisman Trophy and a high selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. With all that talent in one player in the backfield, head coach Steve Sarkisian knows how important Robinson is for Texas.

Sarkisian appeared on ESPN’s ‘Always College Football’ to talk about his team and his star rusher. He says it’s Robinson’s versatility that sets him apart as a weapon.

“Bijan is a tremendous player…He’s a really versatile guy,” said Sarkisian. “He can run gap schemes, run zone schemes, run out of the pistol, run offset. He’s a tremendous route runner and has got great hands. He’s definitely a focal point of what we do.”

The junior has totaled 1,830 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns in two seasons in Austin. Add in the pass receptions and his total scrimmage yards jump to 2,321 yards with 21 total touchdowns.

That kind of production from a player makes him the focus of defenses week in and week out. Sarkisian says he and his staff have focused on building the roster around Robinson in hopes of making it difficult for opponents on that side of the ball.

“I think one thing that we wanted to ensure that we did coming into this season was having enough weapons around him,” Sarkisian said. “We’ve tried to really bulk up and have enough weapons around Bijan to where we know he’s going to garner a lot of attention but that hopefully we’ve got enough weapons around him that those other guys can really hurt you and make you pay if you focus too much on #5.”

The Longhorns have done just that this offseason. The receiving corps brings back Xavier Worthy and added Wyoming’s Isaiah Neyor in the transfer portal. Sarkisian also noted the development of the tight ends and the other Texas running backs. This should give quarterback Quinn Ewers plenty of options as well as room to breathe for Robinson.

Sarkisian went on to discuss who Robinson is off the field. While he stars on the football field, Sarkisian says he shines even brighter away from it.

“You’ve probably heard me say this more than once. As good of a player he is, he’s a better human being. This guy’s a phenomenal person,” he said. “He represents the University of Texas (and) our program as good or better than anybody.”

A 12-10 record during Robinson’s time at Texas isn’t up to the standard of their program. A 5-7 record in 2021 has Longhorn fans expecting much more this fall. While they’ve developed around him, it’ll be on Robinson’s shoulders to help get the program get back on track in 2022.