Brian Orakpo, Jamaal Charles visit Texas practice to Sark's delight

TL;DR

Former Texas Longhorns players Brian Orakpo and Jamaal Charles visited the team's practice, boosting morale and providing mentorship. Coach Steve Sarkisian highlighted the positive impact of alumni presence on current players' motivation and confidence.

There are a lot of positives when former players visit Texas Longhorns practice. The current players can see someone they hope to emulate and the former players can pass some knowledge down. Former Longhorns legends Brian Orakpo and Jamaal Charles visited Texas practice this morning and UT coach Steve Sarkisian says the team loves it.

"I think from our players perspective, they know the connection Orakpo has with Muschamp," Sarkisian said in Tuesday's post-spring practice press conference. "So when he can speak on Muschamp's behalf, that just instills more confidence in our players. ... Like, 'Hey, this guy's gonna get you right. Just keep trusting what he's doing. Whether it's Jamaal Charles talking to the running backs. Or whether it's just Mack (Brown) being out there and his presence. All our guys know who Mack Brown is. They walk by his picture every day." Sarkisian also knows that former players are invested and want to see the current team compete hard in practice and in the games. "There's been a lot of blood, sweat and tears from those guys on that grass up there," Sark continued. "I think they enjoy it. I think they've got a lot of pride Longhorn football, Longhorn Nation and to see this team and watch them compete, I think they enjoy that." Coach Sark told us @rak98 & @jamaalcharles came out to practice today...

I asked him what are the benefits of having alumni like that and also coach Brown show face around the team

"I think for those it probably gets them out of the house...Practice was hard today but when you… pic.twitter.com/1yk2mNxDbF

— Cory Mose (@Cory\_Mose) April 14, 2026 Sark believes the team is inspired by former players and coaches taking time to check in on them. "The fact that they know people are invested in them and this team," Sark said. "That they're behind them I think just serves as motivation to keep pushing through some of these tough days. Practice was hard today. But when you look over there and Brian Orakpo is standing there with his arms folded, he wants to see you keep pushing through." *This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Former Texas Longhorns Brian Orakpo, Jamaal Charles visit practice*

Q&A

What impact did Brian Orakpo and Jamaal Charles have on Texas Longhorns practice?

Brian Orakpo and Jamaal Charles inspired current players by sharing their experiences and knowledge, which boosted morale and confidence during practice.

Why does Coach Sarkisian value former players visiting Texas practice?

Coach Sarkisian believes former players instill confidence in current athletes and motivate them to push through challenging practices.

How does the presence of alumni like Mack Brown affect the Texas Longhorns team?

Mack Brown's presence, along with other alumni, reinforces the team's pride and connection to Longhorn football, motivating players to perform better.