'Generational': Trent Dilfer Compares Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers to No. 1 NFL Draft Pick

According to Trent Dilfer, Texas Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers has the kind of arm talent that few have ever possessed

Matt Galatzan | Jul 12, 2023

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Texas Longhorns

The Texas Longhorns may have a special quarterback under center in 2023 in Quinn Ewers.

According to former NFL QB Trent Dilfer, Ewers not only possesses elite tools but perhaps the most generational arm talent since the early 90s and former No. 1 pick, Jeff George.

But first, he has to play more football.

“He’s an extremely talented passer, like generational, Jeff George–ish," Dilfer said. "But he’s gotta play more football, man. Let’s not make the [Mark] Sanchez mistake again. Let’s not make the [Mitch] Trubisky mistake. You gotta play 30 games before we really know. You gotta see it.”

Dilfer's words ring true as well. Last season at times, including against former Heisman winner and newest No. 1 pick Bryce Young and the Alabama Crimson Tide, Ewers looked like the best player on the field.

At other times, he looked lost, and his lack of experience was extremely evident.

Still, Dilfer is sold on his arm talent.

“Oh, it’s incredible arm talent. Like, stupid arm talent," Dilfer said. "Jeff George, that’s the comp. And now maybe this generation doesn’t remember Jeff George, but you’re old enough to remember him. Dan Marino said it was stupid. John Elway said it was stupid. All of us who had great talent would watch Jeff George and say, I can’t do that.”

Last season 172 of 296 passes for 2,177 yards and 15 touchdowns with six interceptions in 10 games. He will look to improve those numbers in 2023 and lead Texas to its first Big 12 title since 2009.

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Published Jul 12, 2023

MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Texas Longhorns On SI and Texas A&M Aggies On SI and a long-time member of the Football Writer’s Association of America. He graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry in 2014 covering the Dallas Mavericks and SMU Mustangs with 247Sports. He then moved to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of the Longhorns and Aggies sites a year later. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels, including Twitter on @MattGalatzan.