Steve Sarkisian comments on Quinn Ewers' growth in 2022

For the first eight-ish quarters Quinn Ewers played in a Texas uniform, things were going swimmingly. Dominant wins over Louisiana-Monroe and Oklahoma were on the outside of an impressive couple of drives against Alabama. A multi-week injury was squeezed in there as well.

However, the latter half of the season was a struggle for Ewers. Head coach Steve Sarkisian continually called the freshman’s number but with little success. There have been some tough performances with none of the early season success showing back up.

“I think one thing that is hard when you’re a young player and you have some instant success is that you think you do have it figured out,” Sarkisian said. “There’s a lot that goes into playing quarterback at this level, and whether it’s on the field, off the field, fighting through adversity, persevering through adversity, and I think Quinn has had to do that.”

Two games, in particular, stand out — losses against Oklahoma State and TCU. If results had been different in either, Texas might have pushed for a Big 12 Championship appearance. Instead, Ewers completed 40.9% of his throws between the two games for two touchdowns and four interceptions.

“He’s kind of been exposed to a lot, the good and the bad, the tough times in game, the tough times off the field,” Sarkisian said.

When Ewers has been good, special moments have been produced. Hope was brought into the Texas program due to his first two drives against Alabama, even if the result was less than favorable.

And then there will always be the historic 49-0 win against Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown, where Ewers put up four touchdowns. At the very least, he will be remembered for an all-time result in Dallas against the school’s main rival.

Ewers will have another opportunity to play this season, with Texas facing Washington in the Alamo Bowl. Sarkisian has said the freshman quarterback has grown, even with the struggles. Thursday will be the final chance to show us what Sarkisian is claiming.

“I think (the struggles) forced maturity,” Sarkisian said. “I think he’s handled it really well. I think he’s represented the University of Texas really well. I think I’ve seen him grown.”

In nine appearances, Ewers has thrown for 1,808 yards, 14 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He has completed 56.6% of his passes as well.

Freshman quarterbacks always struggle in college football but with how highly touted Ewers was coming out of high school, some positive results will be needed soon.