On Texas Football: The latest from Steve Sarkisian after practice No. 5
In the latest On Texas Football, Joe Cook, Bobby Burton, and Gerry Hamilton offer their rapid reaction to Steve Sarkisian’s post-practice press conference from Monday morning.
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Cook says his first takeaway was who Sarkisian mentioned in the answer to the typical “who is standing out” question. The first name was Alfred Collins followed by Vernon Broughton, AD Mitchell, and Johntay Cook. Collins and Broughton’s mention bodes well for building depth in Bo Davis’ group.
Cook also mentioned that Sarkisian is answering nearly every question thrown his way. Sarkisian hasn’t had the chance to complain that much after five practice. That held up even after there was a practice held Saturday where a number of situations were thrown at the team like third down and red zone.
Jalen Catalon was a topic Sarkisian was asked about. The gist of a question Sarkisian fielded was, can Catalon be a player on the field as much as possible considering his injury history? Catalon is a witch in both coverage and run defense, and Sarkisian is making sure the Arkansas transfer hasn’t slowed because of his injury. It’s on the staff, per Cook, to make sure Catalon can be available for the 2023 season. That includes making sure Catalon doesn’t have back-to-back days of full contact practice.
Sarkisian spoke about Johntay Cook, who has earned praise from his teammates over the course of the first week, and Derek Williams. Sarkisian said “football makes sense” to Williams.
Hamilton asks more about Johntay Cook, and Sarkisian took the opportunity to praise the true-freshman for his work ethic early on in his career. Not only is Johntay taking coaching, he’s still a really good football player and has performed as such over the course of the open of camp.
Hamilton mentions that the five-star prospects who joined Texas in 2023 have been great culture fits, not expecting anything at the beginning of their career but rather working through early struggles and fitting well with the team.
A discussion about Ja’Tavion Sanders’ ability in Sarkisian’s offense follows, then the trio offers their takeaways from Sarkisian’s demeanor in talking about the 2023 Longhorns.
