Texas football should thrive in second year of lifting heavier weight

Texas should make strides in the weight room again in 2023.

When Gary Patterson came to Texas, things changed in Austin. One of the first steps involved fixing strength and conditioning.

Texas struggled in the trenches in 2021. As early as the second game, Arkansas exposed the Longhorns’ lack of strength, explosion and size.

After Patterson joined the coaching staff in an advisory role, Steve Sarkisian’s team switched from lifting light weight for speed to lifting heavy weight. It was the difference between five wins in 2021 and eight in 2022.

It’s no coincidence that TCU has the explosion and strength to play for a national championship in Sonny Dykes’ first season. Strength and conditioning is a huge part of their success.

The Horned Frogs didn’t just start building NFL players in the weight room this season. They’ve been doing so since Gary Patterson walked the sidelines. Now Steve Sarkisian will aim to duplicate Patterson’s development with five-star talent.

Credit whoever you will with the changes that have occurred on the football field, but the former TCU head coach has made a huge impact on the Texas football team.

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