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Texas MUST Focus on Texas: A Deeper Dive into Longhorns Football

The Texas Longhorns football program has long been a staple of college football lore. From its numerous national championships to the countless future NFL stars that have donned the burnt orange, Texas has seen its share of highs and lows. As the 2023-2024 college football season unfolds, the program finds itself at a critical juncture. With rising expectations, a shifting landscape in college football, and an increasingly competitive Big 12, Texas is facing a pivotal moment in its journey.

The mantra “Texas must focus on Texas” has been echoed by many within the program, and it resonates as both a call to action and a reminder. The Longhorns are no longer just battling their conference foes—they’re also contending with external pressures. Recruiting battles with powerhouses like Alabama, Ohio State, and Georgia, the challenges of maintaining a winning culture, and the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Big 12 all factor into the equation. However, amidst this storm of external factors, one of the key elements to Texas’ success—or failure—lies in the development of its own talent, particularly at the quarterback position.

Quinn Ewers: The Next Texas Quarterback?

When Quinn Ewers committed to the University of Texas, he instantly became the most highly anticipated quarterback to play in Austin in over a decade. After reclassifying and skipping his senior year of high school to enroll at Ohio State, Ewers’ journey to Texas has been a rollercoaster of expectations, promise, and growing pains. His transfer to Texas set the stage for a new era, one that had the potential to bring Texas back into national relevance.

However, after a strong start in 2022, including an impressive victory over Alabama, Ewers struggled to find consistency. There were flashes of brilliance, but there were also moments where his decision-making, mechanics, and timing with receivers were off. The 2023 offseason, therefore, became crucial for Ewers and the Longhorns program. Could Ewers develop into the franchise quarterback that Texas so desperately needs?

Footwork and Mechanics: The Key to Quinn Ewers’ Development

One of the most talked-about aspects of Ewers’ game is his footwork. A strong arm, elite athleticism, and the ability to make every throw are often not enough without solid mechanics. In his first two seasons at Texas, Ewers showed flashes of greatness but often struggled with inconsistency. His footwork, at times, seemed sloppy—leading to errant throws or issues with timing.

In 2023, much of the attention surrounding Ewers’ growth has centered on improving his mechanics. Head coach Steve Sarkisian, known for his offensive acumen, has made it clear that refining Ewers’ footwork is a priority. A key component of the plan involves simplifying Ewers’ footwork, ensuring that he can operate within a clean, fluid pocket without overthinking or rushing his throws. If Ewers can improve his footwork, he will not only enhance his accuracy but also reduce the mental clutter that often leads to mistakes.

For Ewers, the improvement of his mechanics is about more than just physical refinement—it’s about confidence. When his footwork is clean, his entire game operates more smoothly. He becomes more comfortable in the pocket, reads defenses more quickly, and can execute with a higher level of consistency. Developing this comfort level has been a key area of focus throughout the offseason, and early signs point to progress.

“Lunch with the Coach”: A Hypothetical Conversation on Quinn Ewers’ Growth

Imagine sitting down with Steve Sarkisian at a quiet Austin café, sharing lunch and discussing the quarterback’s development. Here’s a glimpse of what that conversation might look like as Sarkisian walks through his philosophy on developing Ewers and the state of the Longhorns program.

Question: Coach, what was your biggest takeaway from last season’s quarterback play?

Sarkisian: “Consistency is the biggest thing. When we saw Quinn at his best, he was poised, confident, and executing with perfect mechanics. But when things broke down—whether it was a missed read or bad footwork—the entire offense would sputter. That inconsistency is something we’ve been focusing on. It’s not about being perfect every time, but it’s about eliminating the mistakes that kill drives.”

Question: What steps have you taken to help Quinn with his footwork and mechanics?

Sarkisian: “It starts with repetition. We’ve simplified a lot of his dropbacks and his footwork patterns, making them more natural and less complicated. He was overthinking last year, and that led to some mistakes. It’s about building muscle memory. We’ve been drilling the basics—keeping his feet in sync with his eyes, not letting his body get ahead of his mind. It sounds simple, but the details are everything at the quarterback position.”

Question: Ewers has a strong arm, but accuracy has been a bit of an issue at times. What’s the next step for him in terms of becoming more consistent?

Sarkisian: “It’s really about mechanics and timing. When his footwork is on, his accuracy improves dramatically. But we’re also working on his timing with the receivers. A lot of people don’t understand the amount of work that goes into developing chemistry with your receiving corps. The more we get that down, the more consistent Quinn will be.”

Question: And how do you balance his growth with the expectations of the program and fanbase?

Sarkisian: “The expectations are always high at Texas, and rightfully so. But we’re focused on Quinn’s development, and we have to keep that in mind. It’s a process. Fans see the potential, and they want immediate results, but it’s not always going to be linear. There will be ups and downs, but if Quinn continues to progress, the sky’s the limit. My job is to make sure that we’re putting him in the best position to succeed and helping him develop at the right pace.”

Question: What role do you see Quinn playing in the larger picture of the team’s success in 2023?

Sarkisian: “Quinn is the leader of the offense. He has to set the tone for the entire team. But it’s not just about him; it’s about the offensive line and the skill players around him. We’ve got a great group of running backs, and the offensive line is coming together. As Quinn grows, we expect him to take ownership of the offense and be that consistent presence who can manage the game and make the big plays when we need him.”

The 2023-2024 Texas Longhorns: A Balanced Attack

While much of the focus on Texas’ success centers around Ewers’ development, it’s important to remember that football is a team sport. The Longhorns have a wealth of talent in other areas, including a strong running game and an elite defense, both of which could help take the pressure