No player has been more important to the Longhorns than Sam Ehlinger during the Tom Herman era. Without him, it is difficult to think about where Texas would be as a program.
Both on and off the field, the senior quarterback has been the leader for Texas. Ehlinger’s numbers speak for themselves, being one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12.
247Sports put together a list naming the 20 most irreplaceable players throughout college football. 13 of the players listed were quarterbacks, with Ehlinger being the only one from the Big 12. Here is 247’s reasoning as to why Texas cannot replace Ehlinger.
No quarterback in the Big 12 carries his team quite like Ehlinger, whose shoulders had to be tired last season from the weight of national expectations and a disappointing defense. Ehlinger’s best games of his career have come in spotlight opportunities against nationally-ranked competition, the mark of a true competitor. He has accounted for 80 touchdowns over his last 27 games, the second-most in college football during that stretch (Joe Burrow, 88). The Longhorns’ coaching staff expects Ehlinger’s senior numbers to be gaudy within new OC Mike Yurcich’s scheme and if it happens, Texas will challenge for double-digit wins and a potential Playoff berth.
As much as Ehlinger has carried Texas these best two seasons, his job may be harder going into 2020. The wide receiver group will bring the most questions on the offensive side of the ball. Devin Duvernay and Collin Johnson made up 50% of the passing game last season but now are both in the NFL.
Being a dual-threat quarterback also makes Ehlinger a factor in the run game along with Keaontay Ingram and Roschon Johnson at running back. He will be involved in every facet of Yurich’s offense where he should be able to thrive.
Ehlinger’s senior leadership will be the key factor in carrying the Longhorns toward their goals this season. With the pressure to win in front of the entire Texas team, Herman and his staff will be looking to Ehlinger.
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