Texas QB Sam Ehlinger named top returning player in conference

Pro Football Focus recently named Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger the top returning player in the Big 12 for the 2020 season.

The accolades continue to pile on for Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger.

He has statistically progressed each year with the program. If the same path of development continues, he could realistically become a Heisman Trophy finalist as a senior. In 2019, he quietly surpassed several of Vince Young’s records such as career total offense, single season passing yards and total touchdowns.

That’s no easy feat, considering Young was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019 and is arguably the best to ever play at his position. Young’s dual-threat ability was unparalleled and is something Ehlinger hoped to shape his style of play around.

He has complete control over Texas’ offense. Everything starts and ends with him, which is why Pro Football Focus considers Ehlinger the top returning player in the Big 12 conference for the 2020 season.

PFF also lists Ehlinger as the sixth-most valuable player in the country over the past two seasons.

“His arm, though, is the reason why he lands at number one on this list. Ehlinger was forced to throw into a tight window at one of the 25 highest rates last season, and he didn’t let that hinder himself or the team. His tight-window passing grade was third in the country and his rate of accurate passes thrown was the eighth best. If Ehlinger can just cut back on his tendency to bail on clean pockets, improve his overall pocket presence and trust his arm, good things can happen for him and Texas.”

Ehlinger is known for his running abilities, but his accuracy has been one of the most pleasant improvements throughout his collegiate career. With left tackle Sam Cosmi returning to anchor the offensive line unit, Ehlinger’s protection should allow an ample amount of time for him to improve on his pocket presence.

Ehlinger will leave behind a similar legacy as Colt McCoy and Vince Young if he’s able to lead Texas to a National Championship this season.

Sam Ehlinger played major role in Mike Yurcich choosing Texas

New offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich recently expressed the influence quarterback Sam Ehlinger had on his decision to choose Texas.

When you have the opportunity to become the offensive coordinator at any major program, you want to make sure particular positions groups are in solid shape.

According to Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman, quarterback Sam Ehlinger had a major influence on Mike Yurcich’s decision to choose Texas. He provides talent and starting experience at the most important position on the field.

Yurcich will be the primary play-caller for the Longhorns throughout the 2020 season. It’s not an easy task, but the plethora of offensive weapons at his disposal makes the job much more appealing. Ehlinger will be returning for his senior season, where he’s steadily progressed throughout his collegiate career. The No. 1 running back in the nation, Bijan Robinson, is expected to make an immediate impact.

Left tackle Samuel Cosmi decided to forgo the 2020 NFL Draft and return to the Forty Acres to anchor the offensive line. Running back’s Keontay Ingram and Roschon Johnson will provide intense competition in the backfield, while former five-star recruit Jordan Whittington will now be an additional threat as a receiver.

But these weapons don’t mean much if you don’t have a trustworthy starter in place behind center. Ehlinger’s 2019 season quietly surpassed Longhorn legend Vince Young in career total offense, single season passing yards and total touchdowns.

His best games have come against nationally-ranked competition. The competitive drive, relentless attitude, and leadership qualities that Ehlinger possesses is unmatched.

Ehlinger had career-best production as a junior, although it was overshadowed by only eight wins. As a senior, he has a legitimate chance to become a Heisman Trophy finalist. According to 247Sports, he is considered one of the top three quarterbacks returning in the country. The only two ranked above him were Justin Fields of Ohio State and Trevor Lawrence of Clemson.

With Ehlinger’s recent success and dual-threat four-star quarterback Hudson Card waiting in the wings, who wouldn’t take this job?

Five key Texas football players returning in 2020

These five Texas football players must have significant impact in 2020 in order for the Longhorns to reach the College Football Playoffs.

Texas head coach Tom Herman’s reshaped coaching staff will have a plethora of talented athletes throughout the 2020 season.

Expectations are sky high regarding the Longhorns football program. Although Texas has won two major bowl games the past two years, they’ve underwhelmed throughout the regular seasons.

Texas has consistently had one of the top recruiting classes each year, but player development has lacked. With the recent staff shakeup, Texas needs to compete for the Big 12 Championship and make a legitimate run for the College Football Playoffs in order to prevent another disappointing season under Herman’s guidance.

These five returning players will make a significant impact on the Longhorns success this upcoming season.

Sam Ehlinger, QB

Obvious. Ehlinger is the heart and soul of Texas’ offense. He has consistently improved each year, surpassing several of Longhorn legend Vince Young’s school records in the process. Ehlinger has a serious chance to take home the Heisman Trophy as a senior.

Sam Cosmi, LT

Protect Ehlinger. Team captain and center Zach Shackelford is not returning, therefore left tackle Sam Cosmi will be critical in anchoring the trenches. Cosmi started every game at left tackle for the Longhorns in 2019. After forgoing the 2020 NFL Draft, Cosmi will likely groom into a top draft prospect in 2021 if another impressive season is on the horizon.

Caden Sterns, DB

Sterns must stay healthy. The Junior defensive back will be a critical part of this Texas defense in 2020. Sterns started the first 13 games of his career as a true freshman, earning Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and First Team All-Big 12 honors. Injuries riddled most of his 2019 season, but his potential, knowledge, and athleticism is through the roof.

Joseph Ossai, LB

Ossai appeared in 14 games as a true freshman in 2018. After leading the team with eight tackles in the Allstate Sugar Bowl against Georgia, Ossai garnered more playing time, starting in eight games throughout the 2019 season. He logged a career-high 10 tackles, including five solo stops against TCU. A breakout season is in his foreseeable future.

Jordan Whittington, RB/WR

Potential. Many fans have not yet been able to witness the talent and impact Whittington can make each time he touches the ball. Due to a sports hernia surgery, Whittington missed the majority of the 2019 season. The former five-star prospect was initially recruited as a wide receiver but desperately switched positions to running back due to lack of depth. Whittington is the prototypical swiss army knife player that will likely be tasked with playing both positions in 2020.