The Texas Longhorns will open the 2024 campaign against Colorado State in less than three weeks. Expectations are high as the Longhorns prepare for their first season in the SEC. That is partly due to their talented duo of Quinn Ewers and Kelvin Banks Jr., who earned spots on On3’s list of the top 10 players in the SEC, which was made by Jesse Simonton.
For Simonton, one thing that stood out about Ewers is how much he has improved. Simonton said, “He improved his accuracy tremendously in his second season as Texas’ starter (58 % to 69%). If he can stay healthy and live up to his top-ranked recruit billing, he should seriously contend for the Heisman Trophy this fall.” The biggest adjustment Ewers will have to make is getting on the same page as his new wide receivers.
In 12 games last year, Ewers completed 272 of his 394 passes for 3479 yards. The Longhorns will need him to replicate that success as they look to return to the College Playoff. One player who will play a key role in making Ewers successful is Banks, whom Simonton also holds in high regard.
“The Longhorns’ left tackle had the highest pass-blocking grade among all power conference tackles, per On3’s Clark Brooks,” Simonton said. “He allowed just a single sack in 2023 and will again be responsible for protecting Quinn Ewers’ blindside. He stands to be the first Texas OL drafted in the first round since Mike Williams in 2002.”
During his two years with the Longhorns, Banks has been a model of consistency, starting every game. If he can stay healthy this season, Ewers and the rest of the Longhorns’ offense will be in good hands.