Texas football: 3 biggest offseason questions facing Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns in 2021

2. What can Bijan Robinson do in Steve Sarkisian’s offense?

When people think about Sarkisian’s offense, they often think of the passing game. And why would they not? We all saw how gracefully Alabama moved the sticks with him calling the plays the last two years. As it turns out, it was not his fault with the Atlanta Falcons either, but that is a story for another time. What is a story for right now is what can Bijan Robinson do in this offense.

Texas will not be able to lean on Sam Ehlinger any more, as the long-time Longhorns quarterback has taken his mid-round talent to the NFL. Replacing him will be key, but would go a long ways towards making that less of an issue is having an emerging talent like Robinson have a sensational sophomore season. Could he be Texas’ version of Najee Harris in the next few years?

Harris won the Doak Walker in his senior season at Alabama, but could have certainly been a day-two pick had he declared for the NFL Draft after his junior season. In short, Harris set the bar very high for Robinson to meet and hopefully clear during his run in Texas. He will also benefit from having a savvy veteran leader returning in Roschon Johnson in Austin. Together, they will run.

The other thing to keep in mind is former Texas running back Keaontay Ingram transferred to the last team Sarkisian led in USC. So with Robinson and Johnson as the focal points of the Texas ground game, it is time to go to work. Look for the Texas offense to feature more carries to the running backs this year, as Sarkisian has had most of his success with a pro-style passing game.