Steve Sarkisian is excited for the 14 Longhorns heading to the NFL Combine

Fourteen Longhorns — Quinn Ewers, Jaydon Blue, Isaiah Bond, Matthew Golden, Gunnar Helm, Kelvin Banks, Hayden Conner, Jake Majors, Cameron Williams, Vernon Broughton, Alfred Collins, Barryn Sorrell, Jahdae Barron, and Andrew Mukuba — are heading to the NFL Combine at the end of this month. Steve Sarkisian expects to see great things from all of them.

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Just the sheer total of Texas football players going to Indianapolis is a feather in the cap for Sarkisian. Eleven Longhorns were at the combine last year, giving Texas 25 over the last two seasons. The fact that the burnt orange representation wasn’t limited to just one position group was the biggest point of pride for Sarkisian.

“What I like about the list is the versatility,” Sarkisian said Thursday on Up And Adams. “Quarterback, running back two receivers, tight end, O-linemen, D-linemen, EDGE, DBs. I’m excited for all these guys. I mean that.”

Adams asked who Sark thought might “pop” at the combine. Sarkisian admitted two of former Longhorn and current Kansas City Chief Xavier Worthy‘s fleet-footed peers are going to try to break his 40-yard dash record before reading a litany of Longhorns who are primed for strong performances next week.

“I think the speed always jumps out for everybody,” Sarkisian said. “I know Jaydon Blue and Isaiah Bond are going to run great times. They’re going to really roll. I think Matt Golden is going to surprise people with his versatility at receiver. I think Kelvin Banks, how fluid he moves at the offensive line position. Jahdae’s versatility in the secondary. I think Andrew Mukuba is going to surprise a lot of people just because he’s such a heady player. He’s going to interview great. Alfred Collins, when they see how big he is and how he moves, he’s another guy. All these other guys I’m not talking about, I’m going to get a text as soon as we’re done.”

Last year, Worthy stole the show with his record-breaking 4.21 in the 40-yard dash. Could that mark be challenged?

“I think Isaiah and Jaydon think they have a shot,” Sarkisian said. “That’s a pretty good time. Greatest of all time. That’s a tough one.”

Sarkisian was asked about Bond, whose speed is tantalizing for professional scouts but who also lacks quality tape from the tail end of the 2024 season due to a lingering injury. Sarkisian took the time to dote on both Bond and Golden in his answer.

“Different players,” Sarkisian said. “Matthew has really strong hands, really versatile player. Great one on one contested catch guy. Great in the red area.

“Isaiah is a big play threat. He’s a guy that can take the top off the defense. You can get the ball in his hands in short quarters and he can create explosive plays. It was unfortunate he had the ankle injury this year that held him back the second half of the season because he really got off to a great start. Both those guys are going to find a home in the NFL where they’re going to be an asset to their team.”

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The NFL Combine will be held between February 27 and March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

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