Sarkisian’s Reveals True Thoughts on Will Howard: Does Ohio State QB Have What it Takes to Surpass Expectations

Sarkisian’s Reveals True Thoughts on Will Howard: Does Ohio State QB Have What it Takes to Surpass Expectations?

As the college football landscape continues to evolve, the anticipation around top quarterbacks and their performances escalates, especially when elite programs are involved. One such player at the center of intense scrutiny is Will Howard, Ohio State’s promising quarterback who has been in the spotlight for both his potential and his occasional struggles. While Howard’s talent is undeniable, there has been a constant undercurrent of uncertainty regarding his ability to lead Ohio State to a championship.

Enter Steve Sarkisian, the highly regarded head coach of the Texas Longhorns, who has gained attention for his insights on some of the best quarterbacks in college football. When Sarkisian recently spoke about Howard, his comments were laced with both praise and constructive criticism, offering a unique glimpse into the mind of a coach who has dealt with top-tier quarterbacks throughout his career.

Sarkisian’s Coaching Background and Approach

Before delving into his remarks on Will Howard, it’s essential to understand the context of Steve Sarkisian’s career. Sarkisian has built a reputation for developing elite quarterbacks. From his time at Washington to USC and now Texas, he has helped groom quarterbacks who went on to have successful careers in both college football and the NFL. His offensive philosophy revolves around maximizing a quarterback’s strengths while also developing areas where they may be more vulnerable. With this background, Sarkisian’s perspective on Howard carries significant weight in the football community.

Sarkisian’s experience with quarterbacks such as Matt Barkley (USC), Jake Locker (Washington), and Sam Ehlinger (Texas) has provided him with a comprehensive view of the traits that define successful signal-callers. Therefore, his evaluation of Howard provides insight not only into Howard’s ability but also into what it takes to thrive in one of the nation’s top programs like Ohio State.

Sarkisian’s Praise for Will Howard

Sarkisian’s initial comments about Will Howard were notably positive. He highlighted Howard’s physical tools, which include impressive size, a strong arm, and the mobility to extend plays when necessary. These are the characteristics that any coach would desire in a quarterback. Sarkisian particularly noted Howard’s potential to make all the necessary throws, from deep balls to quick slants and everything in between. In Sarkisian’s eyes, Howard possesses the physical attributes to succeed at the highest level of college football.

Moreover, Sarkisian expressed admiration for Howard’s poise under pressure. Despite some of his less-than-perfect moments in games, Sarkisian believes Howard has shown resilience and maturity in leading Ohio State’s offense. A quarterback’s ability to stay calm in critical situations is often one of the most telling signs of future success, and Sarkisian’s endorsement of Howard’s mental toughness speaks volumes.

Constructive Criticism: Where Howard Needs to Improve

However, Sarkisian was also quick to point out areas where Howard still needs to develop in order to truly shine as an elite quarterback. While Howard’s physical tools are outstanding, Sarkisian emphasized that his decision-making and consistency need improvement for Ohio State to reach its ultimate goals. College football is a game of precision, and Sarkisian believes that Howard’s tendency to make erratic throws at times could hinder the team’s overall success.

Another point of contention for Sarkisian was Howard’s ability to read defenses and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage. Sarkisian, known for his advanced offensive schemes, often demands that his quarterbacks possess an innate understanding of defensive coverages and the ability to make real-time decisions based on the look presented by the defense. In his assessment, Howard has made strides in this area but still needs to be more refined in his ability to process information quickly during high-pressure situations.

Additionally, Sarkisian highlighted the importance of Howard developing chemistry with his receiving corps. While Ohio State boasts an array of talented receivers, building trust and timing with them is crucial for a quarterback’s success. Sarkisian believes Howard must establish a more consistent rapport with his wideouts to elevate the entire offense to the next level.

Will Howard’s Potential vs. the Ohio State Standard

Sarkisian’s remarks about Will Howard were layered with complexity. While he acknowledged the quarterback’s potential, Sarkisian also pointed to the immense expectations that come with playing for a program like Ohio State. The pressure to win immediately and deliver championship-caliber performances is a burden that few players can handle. Sarkisian knows this firsthand, having worked with quarterbacks who dealt with similar expectations.

In his view, Howard has the talent to be an outstanding quarterback, but he must adjust to the unique pressures that come with being the leader of a blue-chip program like Ohio State. Sarkisian sees Howard as someone who can certainly take the Buckeyes to great heights, but he will need to rise above some of his tendencies and focus on consistency to reach that level of greatness.

The Bigger Picture: Sarkisian’s Influence on Quarterbacks

Steve Sarkisian’s comments on Will Howard reflect a broader perspective on what it takes for a quarterback to succeed in modern college football. Sarkisian himself has developed some of the best quarterbacks of his generation, so when he speaks, people listen. His emphasis on decision-making, consistency, and mental toughness is a framework for quarterbacks to thrive, not just at the college level but beyond it.

Looking ahead, Sarkisian’s comments on Howard may serve as both a challenge and an endorsement. For Howard, the road to becoming the elite quarterback that Ohio State fans hope for won’t be without its bumps. But with Sarkisian’s evaluation—both positive and critical—he now has a clearer roadmap for what needs to be done to reach that next level. Whether or not Howard can overcome his weaknesses and turn his potential into on-field success will likely determine Ohio State’s fate in the coming seasons.

The Road Ahead for Will Howard

As the season unfolds, Will Howard’s performance will undoubtedly be scrutinized through Sarkisian’s lens. If Howard can improve his decision-making, chemistry with receivers, and defensive reads, he could prove the critics wrong and develop into one of the top quarterbacks in college football. However, if he fails to make those adjustments, his tenure as Ohio State’s signal-caller could be in jeopardy.

Sarkisian’s true feelings on Howard are more than just coach speak—they represent a comprehensive evaluation of what it takes to be successful in college football. For Howard, the opportunity to develop under pressure and scrutiny at Ohio State is an invaluable experience. It is now up to him to capitalize on Sarkisian’s insights and prove that he has what it takes to lead the Buckeyes to national glory. As Sarkisian pointed out, Howard has the tools, but the key will be how he harnesses them under the spotlight.