'That Guy': Texas QB Quinn Ewers Has Taken Major Step Forward In One Key Area

By all accounts, Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers has made major strides this offseason

It would be fair to say that the Texas Longhorns played to the level of their quarterback in 2022. 

When Quinn Ewers was in rhythm, the offense was very tough to stop. When he struggled, things became stagnant.

It was never a talent question. Ewers has that in droves - maybe the most of any quarterback in the Big 12 

Instead, when he did struggle, it seemed more due to timidness and a lack of authority, both on the field and in the locker room. 

One can hardly fault him for that either. After all, being a first-year quarterback in a room full of established veterans can be daunting for anyone. 

However, by all accounts, Ewers has remedied that problem. And perhaps even more. 

“He’s the guy that talks after workouts and practice," wide receiver Jordan Whittington Said at Big 12 Media Days. "When you have a quarterback who does that, it just makes you build more trust in him. We all have a lot of respect for him, he carries himself in a way that shows he's a dominant one.

“We had some guys that were talking while he was talking and he said... some things. Basically, 'you don’t talk when I’m talking. Y’all listen to me and follow my lead.' Nobody talked back. That’s when I knew Quinn Ewers was that guy.”

Surely it has been an adjustment for Ewers, who by nature is more of a quiet and reserved type. 

However, he also knows the expectations that come along with the territory of being the starting quarterback at the University of Texas.

“As a quarterback, you’re kind of expected to be that person, whether you like it or not,” Ewers said. “It’s been fun for me because that’s a new area I’m not used to, but it’s been fun for me.”

So how has Ewers managed to make that change in his approach? Part of it has to do with the natural progression of his maturity. 

However, what he learned during his ups and downs in 2022, and how revelations about his approach to the game were also major factors in his development. 

“I learned a whole lot about myself last year and really how much this sport means to me,” Ewers said. “It was definitely tough going through what we went through last year. I’m not going to say I’m glad I went through it, but it’s good that I did because it showed me what I need to be for this team and for myself, and how I need to approach things.”

Now, teammates on both sides of the ball are beginning to take notice of the 'new' Quinn Ewers. 

Whether it has been his confidence, his preparedness, his knowledge of the playbook, or his leadership, he - at least in the offseason - looks like a completely different quarterback. 

“Quinn, he’s been amazing,” Barron said. “His confidence has been key. I feel like when a player has confidence, they really can’t lack anything. At that point, you’re against yourself. You’re not even thinking about opponents. Quinn, he’s going to make that offense amazing.”

How much different? Well according to his head coach, Steve Sarkisian, Ewers looks good enough to take the Longhorns anywhere they, or Ewers himself, wants to go. 

“I think Quinn is a championship-level quarterback," Sarkisian said. "I think he’s a first-round level quarterback."

You can follow Matt Galatzan on Twitter @MattGalatzan

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