Three things to know from Steve Sarkisian's press conference: Maalik Murphy returns, latest on Jalen Catalon, massive program weekend

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian was available to the media following the Longhorns’ fourth practice of the spring. The Horns had taken the week off for spring break, something Sarkisian viewed as good for his players considering the amount of responsibilities they have on a day-to-day basis. Plus, no news was good news for the Horns during the vacation.

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Here’s what Sarkisian had to say about Maalik Murphy, Jalen Catalon, and a big weekend hosting dignitaries of all ages.

Maalik Murphy is back at it as the backup quarterback

After taking mostly mental reps during the first three practices of the spring, redshirt freshman quarterback Maalik Murphy was going through drills during the media viewing window of practice as the backup quarterback.

“It was great have to Maalik back out there,” Sarkisian said. “He had a minor setback at the end of winter conditioning. We were probably a little bit conservative with him that first week thinking if we back off him the first week of spring ball and spring break, then he can get back and be going back again here in the second week of spring ball. That was positive, to have him back out there.”

Murphy, a 6-foot-5, 235-pounder from Inglewood, Calif., has struggled through nagging issues dating back to an injury suffered during his senior season’s state championship game. Sarkisian mentioned earlier in spring he just wanted to ‘get the guy healthy.’ After a week off, Murphy looked the part throwing the ball to backs and receivers, and moving around the pocket.

[On3+ Takeaways from Texas’ spring practice]

Early-enrollee Arch Manning had taken the backup snaps behind Quinn Ewers during the first three practices, but Murphy was taking all the No. 2 snaps during the viewing period.

Does that set up a potential competition with Ewers (and Manning)? Sarkisian isn’t willing to make that claim yet. He just wants every signal-caller to push others in the room to be the best.

“I can’t tell a guy right now at whatever position that he’s the starter regardless,” Sarkisian said. “Everybody should be striving to be the best that they can be. We’ve got a long way until we play in September. Ultimately, can Maalik push Quinn? Of course he can. How far can he take it? Quinn’s job is to raise his play so he can’t catch him. That should be at every position across the board.”

Another fresh face as it relates to football activities was with Murphy during offensive drills. Isaiah Neyor was going through activities during the media viewing window.

“He looked as good as he’s looked,” Sarkisian said. “His rehab has gone really well for him, not only physically but mentally. Any time you have surgery like that, as much as it is the physical rehab, it’s the mental rehab. He’s dialed into it. I think gradually working him back in at the rate that we’re going is a good sign of where we need to be come the fall.”

Also going through drills after being limited earlier in the spring was running back Jonathon Brooks.

[On3+ Notes from Texas’ fourth practice of the spring, with several Longhorns back as participants]

Jalen Catalon update

Transfer safety Jalen Catalon was a limited participant during the first spring practice and was seen on the field. His No. 11 has not been spotted in ensuing media viewings.

Sarkisian was asked about Catalon’s status on Tuesday. He said Catalon had more work done, likely on his previously injured shoulder.

“Catalon, we had to go in and clean a few things up,” Sarkisian said. “He’ll be limited for now. He’s an experienced player. That one doesn’t concern me. I didn’t want that to linger come the fall. We wanted to make sure we took care of a few things for him getting ready for the season.”

Sarkisian provided no additional details on the procedure or the injury.

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Big weekend for Texas Football

It’s a busy weekend for Sarkisian and the Longhorn football program. On Friday, the team is hosting its annual coaching clinic. On Saturday, the Horns will have a host of top prospects in town for a junior day.

“Match play this week, too” Sarkisian said.

It’s a set of days Sarkisian is excited to tackle.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “We love it.”

“Friday, we’ve got our coaches clinic. Real excited about that. Our keynote is Kyle Shanahan, he’s coming back from the 49ers, and he’s done an unbelievable job with his career and where he’s gotten to. To get him back here as an alum is great. We’ve got a great relationship.

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— Terry Joseph (@Coach_TJoseph) March 21, 2023

“Saturday, we’ve got a big junior day and a big cookout. It’ll be fun just to be around it.”

More eyeballs than usual will be watching Texas practice on Saturday. Sarkisian hopes that attention will bring out the best in the team in front of a lot of interested parties.

“I think that energy, not only as a staff is beneficial, but I think for our players, too,” Sarkisian said. “We’re going to go out to practice on Saturday and there’s going to be a lot of people there. There’s going to be coaches. There’s going to be recruits. There’s going to be families. Sometimes, in spring ball you’re kinda like ‘we’re just practicing.’ All of a sudden, you show up at practice and there’s a fair amount of people there. That should be motivating and create some energy for everybody.”