Examining Steve Sarkisian’s recruiting strategy

Steve Sarkisian is recruiting differently than any Texas coach I can remember. Not in results but in philosophy.

Mack Brown certainly can boast the greatest track record in Texas recruiting. Certainly, Fred Akers and Darrell Royal had their fair share of recruiting success.

Still, perhaps unlike ever before, Steve Sarkisian is leveraging the full power of the Texas brand on a national scale. He is targeting and winning with recruits that past coaches might have viewed as a poor investment of time.

Charlie Strong did not recruit his state well enough, perhaps in part due to an overemphasis on his recruiting ties to Florida. Tom Herman recruited Texas well, which was a proven, winning recruiting philosophy for Mack Brown.

Steve Sarkisian is simply recruiting whoever he wants. Here’s a look at what we have noticed from his recruiting strategy.

1
Capitalizing on college football’s top brand

Matthew Emmons- USA TODAY Sports

There is a reason why national media cannot get enough of Texas. They are the most polarizing team in college football. With that comes countless eyes. Texas is a well-known presence throughout the country. That’s why fanbases as unconnected to Texas as Wisconsin and Virginia Tech cherish the opportunity to put two horns down. However, quite a few recruits love Texas, and Steve Sarkisian is finding players across the country who want to represent his university.

2
Building strongholds

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Sarkisian has a type. That school is named Mater Dei High School, and he knows he can win out with recruits there. His connection to California is strong, but he’s not taking Texas for granted.

The Longhorns’ offensive guru is dedicating his time to key high schools with multiple great players, as evidenced by his presence at South Oak Cliff and other Dallas area…