“Go Represent”: After Being 2 Shy of Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan, Steve Sarkisian Pens Heartfelt Message Following Historic Draft Day for Longhorns

Steve Sarkisian is on cloud seven for the achievements of his teammates! In the 2023 NFL draft, several collegiate football players transitioned to the NFL, and their happiness has been evident. However, the coaches, families, and everyone around the drafted players were also equally overjoyed. And Texans Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian was one of those as he recently showcased his joy upon witnessing his players getting drafted. 

Notably, while Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines’ 13 players got into the NFL, Sarkisian’s Longhorns got 11 players drafted. However, despite falling short of two players in the drafting run, it seems Sarkisian’s pride knows no bounds! 

Steve Sarkisian’sheartfelt message

Achieving a new high is no easy feat, but Texas seemed to have achieved just that by setting a modern-era program record for most players selected in a single draft. While Byron Murphy got picked by the Seattle Hawks, wide receiver Jordan Whittington got drafted into the Los Angeles Rams in the sixth round. Additionally, WR Xavier Worthy (Kansas City Chiefs), DT T’Vondre Sweat (Tennessee Titans), RB Jonathan Brooks (Carolina Panthers), WR AD Mitchell (Indianapolis Colts), TE Ja’Tavion Sanders (Carolina Panthers), OT Christian Jones (Arizona Cardinals), RB Keilan Robinson (Jacksonville Jaguars), LB Jaylan Ford (New Orleans Saints) and DB Ryan Watts (Pittsburgh Steelers) got drafted, too.

In the face of such favorable results, the Longhorns’ head coach, Steve Sarkisian took to his Instagram account to share his excitement regarding the exciting development

“My heart is full of joy for all of these guys and their families! They all dreamt of playing in the NFL and those dreams became a reality this week! To all 11 of you, I’m so proud of you, the commitment & hard work never wavered! Remember, The Standard is The Standard, go represent!!,” Sarkisian wrote.

These 11 players will get a chance to shine forever in the Golden books of the NFL. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg as last season’s champions, Michigan Wolverines also recorded a new high. 

Michigan’s 13 players get into the NFL

Leading all schools in the 2024 NFL drafts, the Wolverines had won the 2023 championship under the guidance of head coach Jim Harbaugh. In nine years of Harbaugh’s as head coach for the Wolverines, a total of 65 players got selected in the NFL draft. Amongst all the picks, tight end AJ Barner was a top prospect who got drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round.  Apart from that, the other 12 players to get drafted were: J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings), Kris Jenkins (Cincinnati Bengals), Mike Sainristil (Washington Commanders), Junior Colson (Los Angeles Chargers), Blake Corum (Los Angeles Rams), Roman Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers), Zak Zinter (Cleveland Browns), Trevor Keegan (Philadelphia Eagles), Michael Barrett (Carolina Panthers), LaDarius Henderson (Houston Texans), Jaylen Harrell (Tennessee Titans) and Cornelius Johnson (Los Angeles Chargers)

Barner played an important role for the Wolverines in the 2023 season. On the last day of the NFL draft, six Wolverines were drafted, making it the fifth time in the team’s history that more than 10 players were selected in a draft. However, these players will get to the gridiron in the upcoming season. Till then, they will be nurtured to get the best out of their capabilities. Let us know your thoughts on these players getting selected in the draft.