Thursday updates from Steve Sarkisian ahead of ULM

A few quick updates from Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian’s Thursday morning Zoom.

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Injuries – “We’re really healthy.” – “The one guy that’s probably OUT out, is probably Alfred Collins, but shoot, he practiced today. We’re excited what it looks like for him coming out of this ballgame, but we won’t play him this week.”

Sark: “What a cool exciting time. There’s nothing like the start of a football season. I’m sure there is hundreds of teams around the country… that are getting ready for their season and are excited for their opportunity, their kids, their staffs, and we’re no different.”

Sark: “I think we’ve got an excited team. I think we’ve got an excited fan base. There’s nothing like opening your season at home, and for us a home night game at DKR can be a great environment.”

Sark on if he feels any pressure entering this year after last year: “From a pressure standpoint, the thing with me is I’ve never shied away from a challenge. I’ve never shied away from an opportunity.” — “One of the keys is you have to acknowledge what you sign up for. There’s a standard at the University of Texas. There’s a standard of excellence. We’re back to back Directors’ Cup champions as an athletic department. We didn’t contribute to that as a football program.” — “I came here to try to accomplish something special in winning conference championships and competing for national championships on a yearly basis.”

Sark on Quinn Ewers: “Hopefully we’re putting him in position to do the things that he does well and that he can find a rhythm and comfort zone. That doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed. Things could happen. Adversity is going to strike, but that’s important too because how he overcomes that adversity is going to be critical for the longevity of the season and his career.” – “In the end, he’s playing a game that he’s been playing his whole life, and he’s been really good at it. I expect him to play really good in this environment as well.”

Sark says he would love for Hudson Card to play in this game, but “I have to let the game unfold and play out the way it’s going to play out.” — Would like to get Hudson in there but says there isn’t “structure” to get him in the game, like saying ‘Card is playing in the third quarter’ or anything like that.

Sark on Kelvin Banks: “He’s a very even keeled guy. He’s very serious about his approach to the game. He doesn’t get overly excited in a way that he does any uncharacteristic things.”

Sark on DJ Campbell: “We definitely see the flashes of what he’s capable of being. For him, the consistency is key. It’s not for lack of effort. He wants to be really, really good, and I love that about him. He’s an upbeat guy. He’s energetic. I think he provides a lot of personality to the offensive line.” – Also praises Cole Hutson, Cam Williams, Malik Agbo.

Sark says he’s been impressed with Christian Jones this training camp. “He’s been a good player for us. He’s been steady. I almost feel like there’s been a step up in maturity of focus in what he needs to do. I’m proud of him. I’m happy for him. I think one thing that happens a lot of times as guys get older, we assume they’re finished products. Guys have room to grow. Guys have room to improve and just because the guy’s a senior doesn’t mean that he can’t work on his game and improve his game. I think Christian is one of those guys.”

Sark on ULM WR Boogie Knight: “Really good player. You can tell he’s a veteran football player. He’s played a lot. He’s a really good route runner. He’s extremely competitive. Playmaking ability. Clearly they lean on him. He’s a go-to, feature guy for them, and the guy that we’re going to have to definitely be aware of.”

Sark says that he was able to meet Bill Walsh in his younger coaching days. Walsh would run a 15-play opening script. Sark says he runs a 20-play opening script.

Sark says the media made a big deal out of the depth chart thing: “I was shocked it got so much attention. Neither here nor there. That really didn’t bother me.”

Sark mentions Wednesday’s practice was the best they’ve had “arguably since I’ve been here.”