Can Longhorns Special Teams Be Elite In 2023?

Keilan Robinson is an acquired taste for coaches. At least that's how special teams coordinator Jeff Banks views the senior Texas Longhorns running back. 

"He's kind of a smartass," Banks said earlier this month during media days. 

That's not to come off as an insult. Banks calls it a compliment since being bright leads to more Saturday playing time. And Robinson's football IQ — primarily on special teams — often leads to him being right on the field when it comes to alignment and setting up running lanes. 

Special teams are often the forgotten stage of football. Fans turn in to watch offenses drive downfield and punch it into the end zone for six points. They stay locked in on defenses coming up with the big strip-sack, ending an opponent's drive with the worst possible outcome. 

But special teams often can make or break outcomes. A wrong kick can lead to better field position. A muffed punt could be the difference between pinning an opponent inside the 5-yard line or letting the offense trot out in the red zone. 

Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian has preached about complementary football throughout fall camp. While the offense must complement the defense and vice versa, both units must correlate better success on special teams. 

That starts with Banks, someone Sarkisian believes brings a blend of aggressiveness and fun to the unit.

"That’s half of special teams," Sarkisian said on Banks' coaching style following the team's second scrimmage. "You’ve got to have players who want to be on special teams, and Jeff creates an environment where guys want to be on special teams. They love what he brings, they love the energy and they love that we’re going to scheme people." 

Kickoff return duties should be secure with Robinson back in Austin. He's a running back by position, but most of his success has come on special teams since arriving from Alabama. 

Last season, Robinson averaged 25.2 return yards on 16 attempts. His longest came on a 52-yard punch back following a TCU touchdown in Week 11's loss at home. Robinson also has been a serviceable gunner on punt returns, blocking one in 2021. 

Bert Auburn returns as the placekicker after going 21-of-26 a season ago. There were struggles, but the junior was 7-of-9 on field attempts between 40-49 yards. Banks, however, does have another option in sophomore and Austin native Will Stone should easy kicks become shanks. 

The No. 11 Longhorns have countless options to be the lead punt returner, but junior receiver Xavier Worthy likely gets the first crack at it. After replacing D'Shawn Jamison midseason, he totaled 146 yards off 15 returns, including a 22-yarder in Texas' win over Kansas. 

"Xavier is going to train hard at whatever we ask him to do. He's a great, coachable player to do that," Banks said. 

Texas, the preseason favorites to win the Big 12 for the first time since 2009, can't afford to slack off in any area. Most pundits predicted the Horns to be a dark horse contender for the College Football Playoff a season, but those dreams dwindled after a Week 4 road loss to Texas Tech. 

When Sarkisian was hired to replace Tom Herman after leading Alabama to its 18th national title, he had options for hiring his staff. Several coaches on the Crimson Tide staff, including Banks, hitched their wagon to the former offensive coordinator and planted their roots on the Forty Acres. 

With that came a sense of championship urgency, one instilled by Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa. Part of Saban's formula to success has been putting the best players out of the field, regardless of age, position, or experience. 

Another key element to the longstanding success? An emphasis on special teams. Robinson saw it first-hand during his time with the Tide. He's seeing the same mentality be implemented in Austin under Banks. 

"There's a lot of money to be made on special teams," Robinson said during his media availability last week. "Everybody knows that they ain't gonna be the star, so you got to find another way in addition to what you do on offense or defense to put money in your pocket."

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