Unpacking Steve Sarkisian's Playing Career: A Quarterback's Path To Coaching

Prof. Chanelle Bauch

30 Jul, 2025

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Have you ever wondered about the beginnings of a well-known coach, what shaped their early football journey? It's really interesting, you know, to look back at the players who later become the masterminds on the sidelines. For someone like Steve Sarkisian, whose name often pops up in discussions about college football's top strategists, his playing days offer a truly unique lens into how he came to be the coach we see today. It's almost like finding the first album of a famous musician, providing clues to their later work.

We often focus on what coaches do now, their wins and losses, their schemes, and their leadership. But there's a whole story before the headset and the play-calling sheet. Steve Sarkisian, currently a big name in the coaching world, actually had a pretty remarkable playing career himself, mostly as a quarterback. This background, in a way, laid the groundwork for his future in the sport, influencing his approach and his understanding of the game from a different perspective.

So, what was it like for him on the field? How did those moments, those throws, those huddles, contribute to the coach he eventually became? We're going to take a closer look at his time as a player, tracing his steps from high school to junior college, and then to a major university, and even a brief professional stint. It’s a story that, honestly, tells us a lot about his persistence and his passion for football.

Steve Sarkisian: A Brief Look
Early Days and High School Football
Junior College Stint: A Crucial Step
BYU Years: The Rise of a Quarterback
Post-College: A Brief Pro Career and Transition
The Player's Mindset: What His Playing Days Taught Him
Legacy of a Player: Shaping a Coaching Identity
Frequently Asked Questions About Steve Sarkisian's Playing Career

Steve Sarkisian: A Brief Look

Before we explore his playing days, here’s a quick overview of Steve Sarkisian, just a little background on the person.

Detail	Information
Full Name	Stephen John Sarkisian
Birth Date	March 8, 1974
Birthplace	Torrance, California
Playing Position	Quarterback
College Attended	BYU (Brigham Young University)
Junior College	El Camino College
Professional Career	Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL)
Current Role	Head Coach, University of Texas

Early Days and High School Football

Steve Sarkisian's football story began, like many, in his home state of California. He grew up in Torrance, a southern California city, where he started playing the game. His early passion for football was pretty clear, even then. He attended West Torrance High School, where he began to make a name for himself as a quarterback, you know, a leader on the field.

During his time at West Torrance, he showed some real talent, that's for sure. He wasn't just throwing the ball; he was learning the game, understanding plays, and developing the kind of presence a quarterback needs. His high school career, while not always in the national spotlight, was a significant period of growth for him. It was where he first experienced the ups and downs of competitive football, and where he, in some respects, started to build the foundation for his future.

He played well enough to catch the eye of college recruiters, but his path to a major university wasn't exactly straightforward. Many players go straight from high school to a four-year program, but Sarkisian's journey took a slight detour, which, honestly, ended up being a very important step for him. It showed a certain level of determination, a willingness to take a different route to achieve his goals.

Junior College Stint: A Crucial Step

After high school, Steve Sarkisian made a decision that many promising athletes do: he went to junior college. Specifically, he enrolled at El Camino College in Torrance, California. This was a really important part of his playing career, a place where he could refine his skills and get more playing time. It's almost like a proving ground for players who might need a bit more development or a chance to show what they can do.

At El Camino, Sarkisian truly shined as a quarterback. He became a standout player, leading the team and putting up impressive numbers. This period allowed him to gain valuable experience, playing against other talented junior college teams. He was able to work on his passing, his decision-making, and his leadership qualities without the immediate pressure of a Division I program. Basically, it was a chance to get better, and he certainly took it.

His success at El Camino College didn't go unnoticed. His strong performances there were what ultimately opened the door for him to transfer to a major university, a dream for many junior college athletes. This step was, in a way, a testament to his hard work and persistence, showing that even if the first path isn't direct, you can still reach your destination with enough effort. He was, you know, making a real name for himself.

BYU Years: The Rise of a Quarterback

The biggest chapter in Steve Sarkisian's playing career unfolded at Brigham Young University (BYU). He transferred to BYU in 1995, and it was there that he really became a nationally recognized quarterback. BYU, at the time, was known for its pass-heavy offenses and developing strong quarterbacks, so it was, in some respects, a perfect fit for his style of play. He joined a program with a history of great passers, and he certainly added to that tradition.

In his first year at BYU, 1995, he quickly showed what he could do. He started as the team's quarterback and led them to a solid season. But it was his senior year in 1996 that truly cemented his legacy. That season was, quite frankly, incredible. He led the Cougars to a remarkable 14-1 record, a WAC Championship, and a victory in the Cotton Bowl. This was a huge achievement for the team, and he was a central part of it, very much the orchestrator of their success.

During that 1996 season, Sarkisian put up some eye-popping statistics. He completed 69.8% of his passes for 4,027 yards and 37 touchdowns. Those numbers were, you know, really impressive for the time. He was named the WAC Offensive Player of the Year and finished 10th in the Heisman Trophy voting. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver accurate passes was on full display. He showed a level of poise and skill that made him one of the top college quarterbacks in the country. To learn more about BYU's football history on our site, you can find more information there.

One of the most memorable games from his BYU tenure was the Cotton Bowl victory over Kansas State. He threw for 341 yards and two touchdowns in that game, securing a significant win for the program. His performance throughout that season was a major reason for BYU's success, and he left a lasting mark on the school's football records. He was, basically, a really good player, and his time at BYU is still talked about by fans.

Post-College: A Brief Pro Career and Transition

After his stellar career at BYU, Steve Sarkisian did get a shot at professional football. He wasn't drafted into the NFL, but he did sign with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 1997. The CFL is a bit different from the NFL, with wider fields and different rules, but it's still a high level of professional football. He played for a couple of seasons there, gaining more experience in a pro environment.

His time in the CFL, while brief, was another step in his football journey. He got to see the game from a professional player's perspective, dealing with the demands and challenges of playing for a living. This experience, in a way, rounded out his playing background. It showed him the business side of the sport and how things operate at the highest level. It's almost like a graduate course in football, you know, after his college studies.

However, his playing career didn't last as long as some might have hoped. After a few years, he transitioned from playing to coaching. This shift wasn't a huge surprise, given his intelligence and his deep understanding of the game. Many quarterbacks, with their natural leadership and strategic thinking, often move into coaching. For Sarkisian, it was a logical next step, allowing him to stay involved with the sport he loved, just in a different capacity. He was, in short, ready for a new challenge, and coaching was it.

The Player's Mindset: What His Playing Days Taught Him

Steve Sarkisian's time as a quarterback, from high school to the CFL, gave him a unique perspective that, honestly, has shaped his coaching style. Being under center means you have to think quickly, read defenses, and make decisions in a split second. This kind of experience is, you know, invaluable for a coach. He learned what it feels like to be in the huddle, to have the game on your shoulders, and to execute a play when everything is on the line.

His playing days taught him about leadership from the ground up. As a quarterback, you're naturally a leader on the field, guiding your teammates and keeping everyone focused. This hands-on experience in leading a group of players, communicating plays, and inspiring confidence is something he brings to his coaching. He understands the psychology of the game from a player's viewpoint, which helps him connect with his own athletes today. He can, basically, relate to what they are going through.

Furthermore, his experience as a player means he understands the nuances of offensive strategy in a very practical way. He knows what works and what doesn't from having executed plays himself. He can teach quarterbacks not just the Xs and Os, but also the feel of the game, the rhythm of a pass, and how to anticipate defensive movements. This practical knowledge is a huge asset, allowing him to explain things in a way that players can truly grasp. It's almost like he has a secret language with his quarterbacks, because he's been in their shoes.

His playing career also instilled in him a certain resilience. He faced challenges, including the need to go to junior college before BYU, and the transition to professional football. These experiences taught him about perseverance and adapting to different situations. That resilience is something he, you know, probably tries to pass on to his teams, helping them push through tough times and keep fighting. It's a quality that is very important in competitive sports.

Legacy of a Player: Shaping a Coaching Identity

The impact of Steve Sarkisian's playing career extends far beyond the statistics he put up. His time as a quarterback, particularly his standout years at BYU, really helped to form his coaching identity. It's not just about what he did on the field, but how those experiences shaped his outlook on the game and his approach to leading a team. He often talks about his experiences, and you can see how they influence his decisions now.

Today, as a head coach, Sarkisian is known for his offensive mind and his ability to develop quarterbacks. This is, in a way, a direct reflection of his own playing background. He understands the position so well because he lived it. He can design plays and schemes that leverage a quarterback's strengths, and he can teach the position with a depth of knowledge that comes from personal experience. This makes him, you know, a very effective coach for offensive players.

His journey from a high school talent to a successful college quarterback and then a professional player, even for a short time, provides him with a broad understanding of the football world. He knows the recruiting process, the demands of college football, and the pressures of the professional game. This comprehensive view helps him guide his players through their own careers, offering advice and mentorship that is rooted in his own path. It's a perspective that, basically, makes him a more complete coach.

So, when you see Steve Sarkisian on the sidelines today, leading his team, remember the quarterback who once stood under center. His playing career was not just a prelude to his coaching life; it was a foundational period that instilled in him the knowledge, leadership, and resilience that define him as a coach. It's a fascinating connection, really, how his past on the field continues to influence his present success. You can also explore more coaching profiles on our site for similar insights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steve Sarkisian's Playing Career

What position did Steve Sarkisian play in college?

Steve Sarkisian played quarterback during his college career. He was a very successful passer, especially during his time at Brigham Young University (BYU). He was, you know, the main guy throwing the ball for their offense.

Did Steve Sarkisian play in the NFL?

No, Steve Sarkisian did not play in the NFL. After his college career, he played professionally for a couple of seasons in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He was, basically, a pro player, just not in the NFL.

What were Steve Sarkisian's biggest achievements as a player?

Steve Sarkisian's biggest achievements as a player came during his senior year at BYU in 1996. He led the Cougars to a 14-1 record, a WAC Championship, and a Cotton Bowl victory. He was also named the WAC Offensive Player of the Year that season. He had, you know, a really incredible year.