It’s been a wild week for college football.
Throughout the cancellations and uncertainty of how each Power Five conference would move forward, Texas head coach Tom Herman and quarterback Sam Ehlinger were fairly quiet on social media.
That may be due to the fact that they were getting the job done behind the scenes. Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby confirmed that he met with at least two players from each team to discuss the concerns of moving forward with a fall football season.
A statement from Ehlinger and safety Caden Sterns were released by Texas athletics on Wednesday regarding the Big 12’s decision to involve student-athletes in the decision-making process.
Senior QB Sam Ehlinger:
“We’re very happy that the Big 12 is following the medical advice that has been presented to them. We’re grateful for the opportunity to continue to practice and develop, and we hope that they continue to listen to our medical professionals and the guidance that they’re given. It’s been incredible to be involved in the process. I know we’re all extremely grateful that the Big 12 has included a group of players representing every school to give their input and feedback and also allow us to hear what’s going into the decision-making process.”
Junior DB Caden Sterns:
“I think it’s great that the Big 12 is continuing with fall sports right now. Obviously, we as players want to play as long as it’s safe for us. It’s been good that the Big 12 has allowed us to be involved in the process, because there is obviously a lot of uncertainty. And for us to get some sort of an answer, that helps ease our minds. We want to play, so to have that schedule, and to see the structure of what it’s going to look like, is relieving for us as players. And, that allows Sam and I to have the opportunity to share all of that information with our entire team.”
Head coach Tom Herman:
“I had been very hopeful that the Big 12 would come to this decision. (Athletic director) Chris Del Conte has been awesome, he kept me informed throughout the entire process so it didn’t come as a surprise. Our guys are really excited. We understand all of the health and safety challenges and appreciate everything our medical team is doing here, but probably the worst thing about all of this has been the uncertainty. It has been very hard on our players mentally, and they’ve done a great job fighting through it. When the conference comes out and says, ‘We’re committed to finding every way possible that we can play this season,’ I think that gives them a lot of pride, and it gives them a lot of confidence that, if they come out here and do what they’re supposed to do, they’re going to get to play this great game that they love.”
Texas now opens conference play at Texas Tech on Sept. 26. It’s unclear at this time when their lone nonconference game will take place.