Texas Coach Steve Sarkisian Reveals His 'Pleasant Surprise' Early in Spring Practice

AUSTIN -- The Texas Longhorns are still in the early stages of spring practice, and coach Steve Sarkisian obviously won't be satisfied with the on-field product just yet, if ever.

But when speaking to the media after Monday's practice, Sarkisian was asked if there's been a "pleasant surprise" in practice so far, and didn't hesitate to mention Clemson safety transfer Andrew Mukuba.

"A guy who I just talked to after practice, I love the way he's practicing right now is Andrew Mukuba," Sarkisian said. "You feel his experience as a player, you feel him having the ability to play multiple positions, and I love the intent with which he practices with. He's aggressive, he's tough, but yet he knows how to practice. He knows how to do those things, and I hope he serves as a really good benchmark for some of the other guys on how to do it."

Mukuba, an Austin native, transferred to Texas after three years under coach Dabo Swinney at Clemson. In that time, he posted 142 total tackles, one sack, 15 passes defended and one interception.

If not for the arrival of Alabama receiver Isaiah Bond to Texas via the portal, Mukuba would arguably be the Longhorns' top transfer this offseason.

During its run to the College Football Playoff last season, the Texas secondary was seen as the team's weakest link. But now with a veteran like Mukuba, the Longhorns addressed one of their more pressing needs.

The Orange-White Spring Game is set for Saturday, April 20.