Tag: Texas Longhorns media days

Several Texas football players speak at Big 12 Media Days

The Texas players talked about leadership, team dynamics and scheme at Big 12 Media Days. Here’s some of the best quotes:

Bijan Robinson, Roschon Johnson, DeMarvion Overshown, and Ovie Oghoufo spoke to Big 12 media in Arlington Thursday afternoon. The four were selected to represent the team as Steve Sarkisian begins his second season at Texas.

Among the important topics that emerged, team leadership and unity appeared to be a common theme for Steve Sarkisian and his players. Sarkisian had high praise for backup running back Roschon Johnson.

Much has been made of Johnson’s emerging role as the vocal leader. That sentiment was echoed by his head coach, who called Johnson an, “alpha,” who demanded the very best from his teammates.

The players also touched on the different personalities within the program, the new schematic additions, and the roles each player will fill.

Here’s a glimpse at what each player had to say to the media.

Steve Sarkisian sheds light on Texas’ defensive philosophy

For Texas to improve its record, they will need to stop the run.

At Big 12 Media Days on Thursday, Steve Sarkisian revealed what the Texas Longhorns defense will prioritize in 2022. Sarkisian stated, to accomplish all that they want to do, “you’ve got to stop the run first.”

While the statement could be mere platitude and coach-speak, it hinted that the coaching staff is aware of the defense’s root issue.

Stopping the run before anything else is a fundamental goal of many great defenses. Texas saw firsthand the demoralizing effect of getting gashed in the run game last year. For Texas to improve its record, they will need to stop the run.

Adding Ryan Watts to D’Shawn Jamison and Jahdae Barron could increase the coaches’ trust in the Texas secondary and shift their emphasis to stopping the run. The cornerback room could be one of the stronger units on the team this season.

Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski seemed to play conservatively to prevent deep passes downfield last season. With improved play in the secondary, Kwiatkowski may be more inclined to play more aggressively with his front six.