Sarkisian: Pass rush needs work
AUSTIN — If it feels like Texas coach Steve Sarkisian has been stuck in a loop talking about his team’s pass rush, or lack thereof, it’s because he has.
Back on Sept. 20, after a listless 40-21 loss to Arkansas, Sarkisian acknowledged UT’S pass rush was “borderline non-existent.” Two months and six losses later, he’s still wondering where it is.
“We’ve gotta find a way, whether it’s through scheme or personnel, to generate a better pass rush,” Sarkisian said Monday at his weekly news conference. “... In this day and age of college football, with people throwing the ball around, we’ve got to do that.”
Texas (4-7, 2-6 Big 12) has recorded multiple sacks in just five games this season. It had a combined 10 quarterback hurries in consecutive losses to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, but just 14 total in its nine other games.
Those two statistics don’t necessarily paint a full picture of a team’s pass rush, but a few others support the claim that Texas needs to exert more pressure on the opposing offensive line and quarterback.
The Longhorns rank outside the nation’s top 80 in total defense, passing defense, passing efficiency defense, third down defense, red zone defense, turnovers created and sacks. And the team’s current sacks leader? Sixth-year edge defender Ben Davis (2½), one of just five Longhorns with multiple sacks on the season.
Texas does have help on the way. As of Tuesday, the team held verbal commitments from seven four-star defensive linemen and edge rushers and one four-star linebacker.
Marlin defensive lineman Jaray Bledsoe is the highest-rated of the bunch, No. 20 at his position, No. 20 in the state and No. 119 overall in the Class of 2022, per the 247Sports composite rankings. And Hewitt-trussville (Ala.) defensive lineman Justice Finkley isn’t far behind, ranking No. 22 at the position and No. 122 overall.
And as of now, before any offseason NCAA transfer portal activity, Texas will return a couple starters in sophomore defensive end Alfred Collins and junior defensive tackle Moro Ojomo, plus intriguing reserves such as redshirt freshman defensive tackle Vernon Broughton, freshman defensive tackle Byron Murphy and freshman edge defender D.J. Harris Jr. But what about scheme? Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, who is signed to a three-year deal worth $1.7 million annually, has been pilloried all season for his unit’s failings. While this first full recruiting class will allow the former longtime Washington defensive coordinator to get players who might better fit his style, some still question whether he’s the right man for the job.
That sentiment probably extends to most of Texas’ defensive assistants, aside from (ironically) defensive line coach and new folk hero Bo Davis, star of the now-infamous Bus Video. But Sarkisian hasn’t hinted that he plans to make changes after just one year, which would create even more staff turnover and instability within a program that’s grown accustomed to it.
“They’re experienced. They’re great coaches. They’ve done it for a long time at a high level,” Sarkisian said. “You can look at every guy’s résumé and what he’s done in his career. We’ve assembled a tremendous staff.
“Ultimately, they’re aware, we’re aware, we need to play better on that side of the ball, just like we need to play better on the offensive side of the ball and on special teams. But these guys have been doing it at a championship level for a long time. I’m sure they’ve had rough years in their past before, but those tough times haven’t lasted — those guys have.”
Longhorns to honor 29 seniors in finale
Texas will recognize 29 seniors before Friday’s season finale against Kansas State (7-4, 4-4) at Royal-memorial Stadium.
Some of the notable names to be honored during a pregame ceremony include nose tackle Keondre Coburn, cornerback Josh Thompson, kicker/punter Cameron Dicker, safety B.J. Foster, offensive lineman Derek Kerstetter, tight end Cade Brewer and offensive lineman Denzel Okafor.
“This week is about celebrating our seniors,” Sarkisian said. “They’ve given a lot to the university. They’ve given a lot to this program. They’ve been through a lot.”