Steve Sarkisian explains why former Alabama tight end Jahleel Billingsley is a great fit

Head coach Steve Sarkisian has rehauled his roster heading into the 2022 season. Just over 30 fresh faces will be playing for the Texas Longhorns next season, with tight end transfer Jahleel Billingsley being one of the more exciting additions.

Sarkisian spoke about Billingsley during his national signing day press conference on Wednesday. He explained why the tight end will be a great fit and reflected on their time together with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

“Jahleel Billingsley, a tight end that transferred from Alabama,” Sarkisian began. “A kid that played really well for us. Huge upside kid, very talented pass receiver. Was a physical run blocker for us. Went on a national championship run, obviously losing the national championship game but a guy that comes from that program that we’ve had good success with. We’re looking forward to having him.”

Billingsley began to break out toward the end of the 2020 season, working with Sarkisian and quarterback Mac Jones. He caught just 13 passes but for 287 yards and three touchdowns. Numbers looked similar this past year but he fell out of favor with head coach Nick Saban in favor of Cameron Latu.

Coming into the Texas program, Billingsley will have the opportunity to hit the reset button. Not only is he reunited with Sarkisian but his former position coach as well, Jeff Banks. Whether Hudson Card or Quinn Ewers is throwing the passes, the long-desired breakout season is expected from Billingsley in Austin.

Steve Sarkisian discusses Quinn Ewers in Texas QB room

Billingsley is not the only big-name transfer making their way to Austin this offseason. Quarterback Quinn Ewers is coming from Ohio State, looking to take over the starting role before the season opener against Louisiana Monroe.

Sarkisian explained what Ewers brings to the quarterback room for the Longhorns. He said the transfer is settling in and still getting comfortable.

“I think it’s been a good transition for him, he’s been on a college campus for four months,” Sarkisian said. “Naturally, when you come in and you’re new it takes a minute to find your groove, to get comfortable, but I see him being comfortable. I see the workouts and I know the guys have thrown a couple of different times now on their own. Obviously, the guy can throw the ball, he loves throwing the ball.

“I think being in the dorm, just being one of the guys again and being in at a place I think he always wanted to be at, he’s in a really good place. We’ve got to get the offense going and installed, get him comfortable and we’ll see how far we can go with this thing.”