Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger did not shy away from letting his opinions be heard on Tuesday.
When Ehlinger was present for media availability via a virtual teleconference, he expressed his initial reactions to the updated schedule. At first glance, Texas’ beloved signal caller was asked how he felt regarding not being able to compete against LSU this season.
Asked if he cried when the LSU game got canceled, Texas QB Sam Ehlinger said flatly, “Yes.”
— Brian Davis (@BDavisAAS) August 18, 2020
He wasn’t the only one upset with the cancellation. Texas wanted revenge on the Tigers after a disappointing loss last season. What better way to prove yourself than to face off against the defending national champions in Death Valley? It was one of the most highly anticipated games in all of college football.
As a senior, that’s something that you’ll never be able to get back.
One of the most mature answers that Ehlinger provided was whether or not the College Football Playoffs would be cheapened this season without the Big Ten or Pac-12 competing.
Ehlinger asked about if no B1G or P12 cheapens a potential national title: "We've got to get there first."
— Joe Cook (@josephcook89) August 18, 2020
That’s exactly where his head should be at. Texas must first compete for the Big 12 title if they have any hopes of advancing. Although Ohio State will be absent from the College Football Playoffs, very likely contenders in Clemson, LSU, Alabama and Georgia will still be present.
Ehlinger also expressed his thoughts on how Texas has handled the COVID-19 situation as well as protecting college football players’ eligibility.
Like many others, Ehlinger believes Texas has set the standard on well-thought-out processes in order to keep the athletes safe on campus.
Ehlinger: "The real mood, to be completely honest with you, is that Texas is taking the best care of us and has every single detail thought out to protect us from the virus that we feel comfortable being here, and we feel more comfortable being here than if we were at home."
— Joe Cook (@josephcook89) August 18, 2020
"Talking with players from other schools, we feel that the University of Texas is the gold standard for controlling [our environment] and protecting players.” — Texas QB Sam Ehlinger
— Wescott Eberts (@SBN_Wescott) August 18, 2020
One of his strongest opinions arose when asked about player eligibility. His stance was very clear in favor of the NCAA protecting athletes’ eligibility if their season were to be impacted by the coronavirus pandemic in any way.
“But my personal opinion is I do think that eligibility should be frozen, regardless. I think that it’s unfortunate that everybody has had to go through this, and I know it’s not the college’s fault by any stretch of the imagination. But the college experience is such a short-term thing in people’s lives and I think everybody should be able to get the most out of it. And then also, say they didn’t do that, and a team started off 1-3. Would you have guys saying, ‘Okay, you know what, this year, it stinks. We didn’t start the season off right, so I’m just going to sit out the rest of the season,’ and say it was for COVID reasoning? So I do think that there are issues that lie there, but I believe that with spring ball being canceled, the uncertainty of the season and no preseason games, I do believe that the eligibility should be frozen and guys should be able to get that back.”
Ehlinger has been present for many important conference calls with the Big 12. He appears appreciative of the way the conference has handled this uncharted territory and truly feels that their voices are being heard.
He understands that the most mature and disciplined teams will have a chance to compete this season. Ehlinger’s leadership and character continue to positively impact those around him.
Texas is lucky to have had such a stand-up player leading their program the past several years.