Newly hired Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian chose to retain running backs coach Stan Drayton.
It will prove to be one of the best decisions of his early coaching career in Austin. Drayton has a strong relationship with star running back Bijan Robinson, but he’s also been an excellent recruiter.
Texas is still in the running for two of the top rushers in the next two recruiting cycles. Four-star running back LJ Johnson, the No. 3 running back in the nation out of the 2021 recruiting class, is heavily contemplating between the Longhorns and Aggies.
Four-star running back Jaydon Blue is one of Texas’ top targets from the 2022 recruiting class. After hearing the news of Tom Herman being fired and Steve Sarkisian taking charge, Blue told Horns247, “It’s good that it’s early so I can see how the new coach is and get used to him. It’s not that big of a deal.”
Perhaps it’s not a big deal to Blue due to Drayton, his primary recruiter, remaining on the staff. “Him and [Oklahoma running backs coach] DeMarco Murray are probably the two running backs coaches that I’m closest to, it’s one of the reasons why Texas will still be one of my top schools.”
The 5-foot-10, 205-pound speedster was selected to the All-American Bowl roster and is currently listed as the No. 4 running back out of the 2022 recruiting class, according to 247Sports.
Drayton’s impact on Texas’ football program is tough to put into words.