Why Texas QB Hudson Card being the field goal holder is a big deal

There was an interesting nugget from the Orange and White game, a possible tip as to why Hudson Card may be the favorite to win the QB job.

Much of the attention surrounding Hudson Card was on how he would perform with the second-team offense on Team White. The freshman is in the midst of a position battle with Casey Thompson for the starting quarterback role.

Card finished 15-25 for 168 yards and a touchdown. His presence in the pocket stood out a bit more than Thompson’s, even with the second-team offensive line getting bullied all day. To reference the type of receiver’s Card was dealing with, Kai Money was his favorite target.

Overall, it was a good day for Card and one that improved his chances to become the starting quarterback. However, there was an interesting nugget from the Orange and White game and a possible tip as to why Card may be the favorite to win the job.

Tight ends/special teams coach Jeff Banks was one of the most important staff hires for Steve Sarkisian. Banks is considered an elite coach on the field, along with his recruiting ability within the state of Texas. Special teams are really what Banks loved, improving Alabama’s third phase significantly.

One thing Banks did during his three seasons in Tuscaloosa was have his starting quarterbacks be the field goal holder. Tua Tagovailoa held for Joseph Bulovas during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, while Mac Jones held for Will Reichard last season. The latter went a perfect 98 for 98 on kicks.

The role was taken seriously by Jones last season, dropping a hype video for the Holder of the Year award.

For Texas, Cameron Dicker made four out of his five field goal attempts during the Orange and White game, something Texas fans are used to seeing.

What was more interesting about the field goal personnel was how Card was the one holding Dicker’s kicks. Even when Team Orange was attempting kicks, Card would rush out there to be the holder.

Could this be a sign from Sarkisian and Banks as to who the starting quarterback is going to be? Much of what the two did at Alabama is going to be replicated at Texas. Why would you not emulate the best college football dynasty of all time?

Card’s role in the kicking game is a small hint as to who could have the upper hand in the quarterback competition. If Thompson pulls away as the favorite during the fall, he could easily be inserted as the place holder.

For now, any kind of clue as to who has the upper hand in the quarterback competition will be examined to the max.