Steve Sarkisian evaluates chemistry between Texas receivers, Quinn Ewers, other QBs

Texas is well into spring practice at this point, with the Orange-White game taking place in under 10 days. Head coach Steve Sarkisian has an improved roster, thanks to the 2023 recruiting class and strong entrants via the NCAA transfer portal. Quarterback and wide receiver bring the most eye-popping names, as the two position groups are looking for massive improvement this season.

Spring practice is where quarterbacks and wide receivers really begin to start building chemistry on a daily basis. While there is a depth chart of sorts in Austin, Sarkisian says Texas is still trying to rotate everyone as often as possible. Receivers are still learning the tendencies of the quarterbacks and visa versa.

“Not right now,” Sarkisian said. “We’re not at that point. Spring ball, we roll them pretty good. We’re trying to learn them, we’re trying to learn the quarterbacks, learn the receivers. They’re learning the system, they’re learning each other.”

Quinn Ewers is the only quarterback on the roster who received serious game-time last season. He is familiar with Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington from a starter’s perspective, even if there were issues with Worthy at times. Casey Cain is another name who made a small impact.

Outside of those them, everyone is really working with each other for the first time. Arch Manning is new on campus, while Maalik Murphy redshirted last season and was injured. At wide receiver — Isaiah Neyor had a torn ACL, Johntay Cook is a true freshman, and AD Mitchell was a huge pick-up from the portal.

Sarkisian is happy with how the two groups are coming along. He knows there will be hard decisions ahead of him before the season kicks off in early September. But for now, everyone developing or repertoire with each other is crucial.

“I do think they are naturally progressing the right way and feel very comfortable with them,” Sarkisian said. “Ultimately, come the fall, it’s going to be finding that right combination that’s best for us when we take the field.”

If Texas is going to take the next step forward as a team, Ewers is going to play a huge role. With Worthy being his only real target at times last season, there needs to be more variety. Sarkisian has provided them on paper due to his recruiting efforts. But now, the head coach knows he will have important personnel decisions ahead of him.