Sam Ehlinger is already mentioned as one of the top quarterbacks to play at the University of Texas, but it’s becoming more clear that his numbers are among the nations best.
Although PFF is primarily proprietary and does not divulge specifics into how the grades are calculated, it is a highly regarded resource for premium statistics and analysis at both the college and professional levels.
A lead college football analyst for PFF, Cam Mellor, listed the top five quarterbacks in terms of passing grades when blitzed this season.
Best full-time starting QBs (by PFF passing grade) when blitzed this season:
1. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
2. Sam Ehlinger, Texas
3. Joe Burrow, LSU
4. Sam Howell, UNC
5. Jake Fromm, UGAWill Clemson or LSU blitz more than 25% of the time tonight? Will it even matter?
— Cam Mellor (@PFF_Cam) January 13, 2020
Listed just below Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, but notably above Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, Ehlinger has been impressive at Texas in terms of individual statistics.
Could he gain more hype if he were at one of the more successful programs in the country? Definitely. Does the quality of the opposing defenses impact these grades? Sure.
His 2019 season still shouldn’t be overlooked. Ehlinger finished with 3,663 passing yards and 32 total touchdowns including the Longhorns impressive victory over No. 11 Utah in the Alamo Bowl. Against LSU, who is now competing in the National Championship, Ehlinger threw for 401 yards and four touchdowns.
The calm, confident, and edgy Texas quarterback was at his best when opposing defenses tried to blitz him. Receiver Devin Duvernay was likely Ehlinger’s favorite go-to target.
Duvernay's stats when Sam was blitzed:
40 targets
33 receptions
560 yards
6 TDs
19 first downs
1 drop
5 contested targets
4 contested catches
11 plays of 15+ yards
147.9 passer rating when targeted
91.3 receiving grade— Cam Mellor (@PFF_Cam) January 13, 2020
Ehlinger surpassed former quarterback Vince Young in single season passing yards, total yards of offense, and total touchdowns in 2019.
In terms of cementing his name alongside the nation’s best college quarterbacks, Ehlinger will need to lead this Texas team to a National Championship in 2020.