Greg McElroy lauds potential of Quinn Ewers, questions consistency

There is a lot of potential in Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers but his consistency is the biggest question mark, according to Greg McElroy.

Ewers is no doubt talented, and he’s the biggest key to success this year for the Longhorns. Texas certainly has Big 12 title and College Football Playoff aspirations but needs a quarterback to lead the way.

McElroy broke down the rollercoaster 2022 season for Ewers and explained how he needs to improve.

“If we’re going based strictly on quarterbacks physical potential, Quinn Ewers would be number one (in the Big 12). Ewers might be a number one in the entire country,” McElroy said on Always College Football. “He’s definitely top 10, top five in the country just based on sheer potential. The problem is it was up and down last year. Look at the first six quarters: phenomenal. Early against Alabama: really, really good. Against Oklahoma: really, really good, against Oklahoma State: really, really bad. (Then) against Washington: really, really bad, against TCU: bad. 

“You look at all those different ups and downs. It’s difficult at this point to feel great about Quinn Ewers being consistent. I need consistent productivity from the quarterback position, and I don’t know if he’s the guy that’s going to give it to me but if he could recreate the magic that he had against Oklahoma on a weekly basis, the guy will be unstoppable.”

McElroy made the case that Ewers is set up for success this season. It’s just about actually doing it on the field.

“He’s got an unbelievable supporting cast, maybe as good of weapons as there is in the entire country,” McElroy said. “Quinn Ewers, if he can regain his confidence and play consistent football and not let one mistake become too (much), he’ll be in a great spot to have a tremendous year. Everybody, based on what he did in the spring, is feeling great about the progress that’s been made.

“He’s more focused, he’s more physically prepared. He’s more mentally prepared to become a leader at this level of football. Now it’s just about going out there and doing it.”

Ewers came out of Southlake Carroll in 2021 as the No. 1 QB in On3’s Industry Rankings. He was also one of the highest-rated quarterbacks of the past decade. Then, after a short stint with Ohio State, he returned to Texas to play for the Longhorns in Austin.

In 10 appearances last season, Ewers threw for 2,177 yards and 15 touchdowns. However, he also threw nine picks while also only completing 58.1% of his passes. It wasn’t the most ideal start to Ewers’ career in Austin. Pair that with the expectations of this season for Texas and the fact that Arch Manning is waiting in the wings and there’s a lot for Ewers to balance in 2023.