That’s how Steve Sarkisian started his Monday availability with the media. After a scrimmage on Saturday and an off day yesterday, Sarkisian liked what he saw from his team during the course of Monday’s workout ahead of a fully padded practice in DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium tomorrow. [Sign up for Inside Texas TODAY and get the […]
That’s how Steve Sarkisian started his Monday availability with the media. After a scrimmage on Saturday and an off day yesterday, Sarkisian liked what he saw from his team during the course of Monday’s workout ahead of a fully padded practice in DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium tomorrow.
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He gave some insight into Saturday’s scrimmage.
”The scrimmage, I thought the first three drives — we were going 1s, 2s, 3s in the scrimmage, which is a little different format than what we’ve used in the past. Historically we’ve used 1s and 2s, then when they’re done the 3s go. Then 1s and 2s go, then 3s go. We were going 1s, 2s, 3s. Defensively, all three groups — 1s, 2s, 3s — came out and had a good first drive.
”The second drive, the first offense, the second offense, and the third offense all had really good drives inside the five and then they didn’t finish those drives. That was a great stand by the defense to hold them there.
”Then we went to the next phase of the scrimmage, which was red zone lockout, and I thought the offense performed really well and won that period.
”We came back after halftime and did a coming out period, and the second defense had a nice series. The first defense struggled a little, then the third offense had a 99-yard drive and it was a hell of a drive.
“Then, we did the two-minute drill and both the first offense and the second offense kicked game winning field goals. I liked the balance and I liked the competitiveness of the scrimmage. I liked the physicality of the scrimmage.”
Here are more updates from Sark’s press conference via Evan and me.
On the No. 1 ranking: “The key to the drill is to have the No. 1 by your name at the end of the year.”
Sark: “I loved the way we tackled in the first scrimmage.”
On Star: “I don’t look for what year you are. Michael Taaffe is a fifth-year senior. Graceson Littleton is a true freshman. Can I trust you?” — Sark mentioned that consistency is the key for him rather than having high highs and low lows.
When asked about Arch Manning’s performance on Saturday, Sarkisian says “no turnovers for him” but says there was a tipped ball at the line of scrimmage in the red zone.
Sark: “I liked the balance. I liked the competitiveness of the scrimmage. I liked the physicality of the scrimmage. We’re playing really physical football on both sides of the ball.”
Two players Sark mentioned as standout performers were Derek Williams and CJ Baxter: “Thoe were probably the two biggest guys that excited me the most.”
Sarkisian also mentioned Aaron Butler, Maraad Watson, Alex January, and a couple of others.
Sarkisian said Nick Brooks and Nick Townsend had to leave Saturday’s scrimmage but both practiced today.
On TE: “I think we’re going to have multiple personnel groupings for 12.” Meaning, Texas will use two tight ends but have different duos on the field based on the situation.
Category: General Sports
