With Newcomers At Receiver, Longhorns Add Speed To SEC-Ready Roster
Steve Sarkisian was never going to sit back and watch veteran receivers call elsewhere home. The third-year Texas coach knew that the transfer portal would have to be a factor if the Longhorns hoped to maintain their winning ways.
Consider the mission accomplished but far from over.
Since watching the confetti fall in Arlington, the reigning Big 12 champions have been busy collecting pass-catching talent. Houston's Matthew Golden committed to the Forty Acres prior to the College Football Playoff.
Alabama's Isaiah Bond joined the mix after Nick Saban elected to call it a career in Tuscaloosa. On Monday, the Longhorns picked up the commitment of Oregon State star Silas Bolden. They also look to be the favorites to land Crimson Tide tight end Amari Niblack, who's set to visit campus over the weekend.
The outcome: wash, rinse, repeat in Austin. Texas doesn't care that it's the newcomer in a conference. It's prepared to sit at the powerhouse table on July 1.
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Isaiah Bond (17) runs for a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sarkisian hasn't built a carbon clone of the Aalabma squad that hoisted up a national title when he served as the team's offensive coordinator, but there are similarities. The Crimson Tide had various receivers to win at all stages of the field under Mac Jones.
The same persona surrounds Texas with Quin Ewers. Bolden's track speed can turn short passes into substantial games in the slot like John Metchie. Bond's elusiveness can make defenders miss in the open field like Jaylen Waddle. Golden's route-running and straight-line speed makes him an everyday vertical threat like Heisman winner DeVonta Smith.
That also doesn't include the impact of freshman five-star Johntay Cook, who should fill the void lost by Xavier Worthy. Cook's untapped potential brings an unknown element to the Longhorns' offense and raises questions for the defensive coordinator when it comes to preparation.
With the horsepower in Alabama's receiving room, Sarkisian was able to present a balanced offense that terrorized the SEC. Enhancing the run game with Najee Harris and Brian Robinson elevated the Crimson Tide's offense, which finished second in scoring (43.3 points) and fourth in total yards (541.6).
In Austin, Sarkisian has C.J. Baxter and Jaydon Blue at his disposal. Even with Jonathon Brooks sidelined, the Longhorns averaged over 5.2 yards per run and 90.5 yards per contest. Another offseason should have Baxter and Blue more equipped for substantial reps.
The Longhorns finished top 20 in total yards, passing and scoring under Sarkisian en route to winning their first conference title since 2009. Those numbers can improve. They're expected to with another offseason of mastering the art of play-calling.
But it doesn't hurt to have speed on the outside, thus opening the field and the playbook. Golden has it. So does Bolden. Bond might be the fastest of all of them, but Cook will have a say in the title.
Texas doesn't have track stars, but it has track speed to pull defensive backs back and out of the play. That creates opportunities for more RPO-style plays and an uptick in solidifying the run.
When Sarkisian ran the offense in Tuscaloosa, speed propelled scoring opportunities on the regular. That same talent now heads to Austin as Texas prepares to enter the belly of the beast known as the SEC.
When Sarkisian had this quandary of talent, Alabama won a national title.
Will the same results happen for Texas?
