Next Man Up: Steve Sarkisian weighs in on quarterback Charles Wright

Texas‘ quarterback situation has taken a drastic turn in the last 72 hours, thanks to injuries to both starting quarterback Quinn Ewers and backup Hudson Card. The injuries have put the spotlight at least temporarily on the Longhorns’ Charles Wright, a redshirt freshman.

Wright was the team’s third-string quarterback on Saturday in a narrow 20-19 loss to Alabama, though he didn’t see game action.

“That would have been the scenario,” coach Steve Sarkisian said Monday.

“Charles was next man up. He was ready to go if need be. I’d give Charles a lot of credit. He has made leaps and bounds. Strides and leaps and bounds from a year ago this time as a true freshman to where he is today.”

Charles Wright’s Longhorns dream could come true

A Texas legacy, Wright’s journey to the Forty Acres was a winding one. He was initially committed to Iowa State before finally landing an offer from Texas.

He jumped on it.

Now, he may well have a chance to suit up for the Longhorns in some meaningful action. According to Inside Texas, Ewers is expected to miss several games due to an injury to his non-throwing shoulder. Inside Texas also reported on Monday that Card could be a game-time decision.

It’s hard to say how Wright might fare if called on. He has appeared in only two games — against Texas Tech last season and against Louisiana-Monroe this season — and has yet to attempt a college pass.

He was even replaced as the team’s third-string travel quarterback late last season by walk-on Ben Ballard.

Sarkisian, though, sounded confident he can count on Charles Wright. Texas hosts UTSA this weekend at 8 p.m. ET with a broadcast on the Longhorn Network.

“I think he’s got a good grasp of our offense, a good understanding of managing things,” Sarkisian said. “I think that he’s throwing the ball much better, much more accurately. He’s a lot more confident, which is needed at that position.”