'Intentional': Steve Sarkisian Raves About Texas QB Quinn Ewers Improvements

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian had nothing but good things to say about his starting quarterback, Quinn Ewers, and the progress he has made this spring.

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Quinn Ewers exploded onto the scene for the Texas Longhorns last season, showing glimpses of the talent that made him the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the country against the likes of Alabama and Oklahoma.

However, injuries early and inconsistencies late threw Ewers' season for a bit of a loop, causing Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian to tell reporters that the quarterback competition would be open this spring. 

And while no one really expects anyone but Ewers to take the first snap under center in Week 1 against Rice, it appears that Ewers took Sarkisian's measure to heart, and has made some major improvements this offseason. 

"I think Quinn had a really good winter offseason," Sarkisian said. "He definitely feels more comfortable, almost a sense of throwing the ball very naturally, very comfortably. The reads are happening that much quicker, that much more decisive. The management of our style of offense, all those things handling that aspect of the game I think you're seeing growth."

Last season, Ewers 172 of 296 passes for 2,177 yards and 15 touchdowns with six interceptions in 10 games.

In some of those games, specifically against Alabama and Oklahoma, Ewers looked every bit the No. 1 quarterback recruit in the country. 

In others, such as matchups against Oklahoma State and TCU, he looked... less so. 

However, those inconsistencies have obviously begun to fade in the eyes of Sarkisian.

So what has changed for Ewers?

Sarkisian believes it is his day-to-day mentality. 

"I think his intent, he was very intentional this offseason in getting himself in a really good place mentally and physically," Sarkisian said.

Whatever the case, Longhorns fans will have to hope that Sarkisian is right, because by the time the regular season rolls around in just a few short months, things will get off to a quick start for the Ewers-led offense.

An offense that, In Week 2, must head to Tuscaloosa to take on Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide in a game that could set the tone for the Horns for the rest of the season. 

You can follow Matt Galatzan on Twitter @MattGalatzan

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