Tag: texas spring practices

Texas QB Quinn Ewers discusses his offseason mindset change

“I’m going into summer workouts with the best mindset I’ve ever had going into any offseason.”

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian knows his starting quarterback is Quinn Ewers, and “(feels) very good about that.”

That’s what we’re gathering from Sarkisian’s post-spring game comments. Ewers had a strong showing as he completed 16-for-23 passing attempts for 195 yards, including a dime to receiver Xavier Worthy on the most difficult throw of the day.

Ewers’ 2022 struggles have made him a new man and it’s manifested itself in improved work ethic. The redshirt sophomore dished on what has changed over this offseason.

I’m going into summer workouts with the best mindset I’ve ever had going into any offseason. … I didn’t like where I was at last year. And obviously something had to change.

That change has manifested itself in a new look Quinn Ewers, and not simply due to his shorn off mullet. Ewers has transformed his physique with a better diet and exercise routine.

“I’m eating a lot better,” Ewers said after the 2023 Orange and White game. “I’m doing all the small things a lot harder, and I’m excited.”

There’s still plenty of room for improvement, but there’s reason to believe the starting quarterback has turned a corner.

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Texas Football: What we’re gathering from spring practice reports

We know more about the football team following spring practice reports.

Practice reports can be hit-or-miss in regard to what a team actually brings to the table. We saw that fact bear itself out under past football and basketball coaches.

There was a time when the Texas football coaching staff viewed the team as a playoff contender before falling flat in the regular season. Former starting quarterback Hudson Card, who could be primed to finish in the Top 10 nationally in passing yards at Purdue, was once viewed as an Aaron Rodgers clone. Those predictions were both swings and misses.

There are a few reports that have caught my attention and appear to have merit based on what we’ve observed and what makes logical sense. Here are a few things we’re picking up about the team as we approach the spring game.

Texas defensive lineman Jordon Thomas set to return for spring practice

Former four-star defensive lineman Jordon Thomas will join the team soon.

Texas’ depth across the defensive line just got stronger, as Jordon Thomas will be joining the team for spring practice.

The former four-star prospect in the 2021 recruiting class has yet to suit up for the Longhorns, as according to 247Sports’ Mike Roach, he was dealing personal issues during this past season.

He is someone who was expected to compete for a major role last year, and still will have a chance to carve out a spot for the next season. The Longhorns front seven was anything but special under the new coaching staff, as they were unable to generate a consistent pass rush and were consistently gashed by opposing team’s running backs giving up over 200 yards on the ground per game.

While Thomas is part of the 2021 class, he will join the eight defensive line commits in the 2022 class that are looking to usher in a new era of defensive line play at Texas.

Here is what 247Sports’ Gabe Brooks said that Texas is getting in Thomas:

Possesses good height and plus frame with an athletic build. Should own requisite frame space to continue to bulk up moving forward. Current size and growth potential suggest strong-side end or possible move to even-front interior role. Could also fit three-man schemes in multiple spots, depending on physical development. Shows good strength in the phone booth. Capable of packing a jarring punch at first contact. Drives blockers into backfield vs. the run and as bull-rusher.

With the amount of talent coming in for this next season, if Texas’ front is as bad as it was this past season, someone may get sent packing.