Steve Sarkisian sees Will Howard as more athletic than expected

Steve Sarkisian said Will Howard didn’t get enough credit for his athleticism at the quarterback position.

The Texas coach knows his defense will have its hands full with the Ohio State offense in general. But with the way Howard has operated, especially in the playoffs, the Buckeyes are rolling.

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Good thing Sarkisian has seen Howard before when the latter was at Kansas State.

“The first thing is, he’s a much better athlete than people probably give him credit for,” Sarkisian said. “He snapped off about a 70 yard touchdown run against us a few years ago. He has good speed, he’s got great poise and composure in the pocket. You can tell he’s very bright. You know, the system they ran at Kansas State put a lot on the quarterback and knowing coach Kelly and coach Day and what they do, him managing the offenses that way, so he’s got he’s got intelligence. 

“He’s got athletic ability, and then his ability to throw a catchable ball. You know, I’ve seen that. now for a few years you know he throws passes where they need to be thrown and guys make plays for him and his poise and composure in critical moments is something that has been very impressive as well.”

In 14 games this season, Howard has 3,490 yards, 32 touchdowns (a career high), nine interceptions, a 72.6% completion percentage (career high), 165 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns.

Over the course of two playoff games, Howard is 41-of-55 (74.5%) for 630 yards, five touchdowns and one interception.

Howard’s grown into more of a leader during the postseason, according to his coach Ryan Day.

“I think, even for somebody who’s, you know, experienced like he is, and you know, with his age, you still, you know — you’re in a different school, you’re in a different program, you’re in a different offense, and playing within the offense, and being here now for the number of games that he’s played, he’s learned a lot about himself, but he’s also learned a lot of the offense, and he grown into the offense,” Day said.

“And I think he understands that his job is to be the number one leader on the team and on the field, and that the team is going to take on his personality, but in terms of the football on the field, I think he’s done a great job off the field of grasping the concepts.”