Steve Sarkisian on naming Quinn Ewers starter: I thought our team needed to know who our guy was

If there was any kind of quarterback controversy in Austin, Steve Sarkisian put it to bed after the spring game. Quinn Ewers was named the starting quarterback for Texas, similar to the beginning of the 2022 season. Maalik Murphy and Arch Manning may both have a ton of potential but will sit behind Ewers this year.

Had Sarkisian wanted to let the quarterback conversation carry out through the summer and fall, he could have. Murphy looked good during the spring game and Manning has the last name Manning. There are plenty of storylines available.

But naming Ewers the starter was “important” for Sarkisian, wanting the team to know who their leader was going to be. Also giving the quarterback himself some confidence never hurts.

“Naming the starter was important for our team,” Sarkisian said at Big 12 Media Days when speaking to ESPN. “I thought our team needed to know who our guy was, who they were going to follow. I thought naming Quinn was important for Quinn so that he could continue to develop the confidence in himself in what he’s capable of being.

As for what Ewers can be, Sarkisian believes his name will be called in the first round of the NFL Draft at some point. Sarkisian has developed a few of those and sees Ewers as the next one.

“I think Quinn is a championship-level quarterback, I think he’s a first-round draft pick quarterback,” Sarkisian said. “So, I wanted to make sure he can fulfill that potential.”

Steve Sarkisian sends message to rest of quarterback room

When Ewers was named the starter, even if expected, there had to be some disappointed people in the quarterback room. The goal for Sarkisian was to be honest with everyone about where they sat after he decided to roll with Ewers.

The message was a simple one — focus on yourself. Sarkisian does not want the other quarterbacks to focus on Ewers but to continue their development.

“I felt like being transparent, open, and honest with the guys in that room,” Sarkisian said. “‘Hey, this is where we’re at with Quinn right now. Here’s where you’re at, here’s what you need to work on. Don’t worry about what Quinn is doing, worry about what we’re working on with you so you can develop to be the best player you can be. So that when your number is called, you can play great football too.'”

Sarkisian has gone through the process a time or two, seeing multiple players start for one year and then move on to the NFL. You can go as recent as his final season at Alabama, with Mac Jones winning a national championship in his lone starting season before being selected by New England at 15th overall.

“That formula has worked well for us for years, for decades,” Sarkisian said. “I can go back to Mark Sanchez starting one year for us at USC and going fifth pick in the draft. I go to Mac Jones and what he was able to do for us. Reality is, I think these guys just want to be told the truth.”

Murphy and Manning clearly have talent Sarkisian likes, seeing a future for them at Texas. Being patient and waiting on their turn while still working on themselves is something Sarkisian thinks will pay off in a big way.