In his first year back at the University of Alabama, Steve Sarkisian did a great job at offensive coordinator.
He coached the nation’s No. 2 scoring offense (47.2 ppg), No. 3 passing offense (342.2 ypg) and No. 6 total offense (510.8 ypg), despite a hip injury to Tua Tagovailoa versus Mississippi State.
Sarkisian’s offense was the highest scoring group of the Nick Saban era and it totaled at least 40 points in 10 of 13 games, which is 76.9 percent of its 2019 football season.
Najee Harris, a senior running back, benefitted the most from Sarkisian.
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The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder from California recorded his first career 1,000-yard rushing season (1,224) with 13 touchdowns on 209 carries. Once a five-star in the 2017 signing class, Harris had six 100-yard outings, including four versus Southeastern Conference schools.
Even with his success, Sarkisian’s philosophy is based on having multiple backs get opportunities.
During his five years (2009-13) at the University of Washington, he was the head coach of five 1,000-yard seasons from Chris Polk (three, 2009-11) and Bishop Sankey (two, 2012-13).
When he was at University of Southern California for two seasons (2014-15), Sarkisian produced a 1,000-yard back in Javorius Allen in 2014 and nearly had two more with Ronald Jones II and Justin Davis in 2015. He wants to provide equal chances for the starters as well as the Crimson Tide’s complementary backs.
Sarkisian said earlier in fall camp that he will balance Alabama on offense.
According to Brian Robinson, he said he is ‘excited’ for what Sarkisian has coming.
“I trust Sarkisian and his plan to get as many running backs on the field, working on some new packages that will allow running backs to get more opportunities,” Robinson said on Monday. “So, I trust Sarkisian at his word.”
For someone who is on the radar of the Reese’s Senior Bowl committee, Robinson has a lot he wants to accomplish.
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 226 pounds, the Tuscaloosa (Ala.) native desires a 1,000-yard season, an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine and a valuable NFL Draft stock.
After coming back to college from two years with the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League, Robinson said Sarkisian is ‘more comfortable’ with the Tide’s offensive system going into this season.
“Only thing I can see is growth,” Robinson said. “Last year, he (Sarkisian) was comfortable but he was getting to know his players and who he had around him. He had to adjust back to our system. I am excited to see what he has this year.”
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With his contract extension and juggling two different ideals, Sarkisian has his work cut out for him.
He intends on continuing a tradition that Jim McElwain (2009) and Lane Kiffin (2015) did, and that is win a national championship at Alabama in year two as the primary offensive play caller.
Sarkisian has all the tools needed to excel; he just needs to find a balance.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
