Steve Sarkisian credits Maalik Murphy for stepping in as starting quarterback

Quinn Ewers is expected to make his return under center for Texas this weekend against TCU, but head coach Steve Sarkisian doesn’t want redshirt freshman quarterback Maalik Murphy‘s contributions to go unnoticed.

Logging the first two starts of his career as Ewers recovered from injury, Murphy was able to keep the Longhorns afloat while many thought Texas’ season would be ruined.

“I think there are a lot of things that he did the last two weeks he should be very proud of,” Sarkisian said on Thursday. “He really tried to execute our game plans at a high level. I thought his ability to throw the deep ball was very evident in both games. His arm talent definitely showed up and to create explosive plays. I think he should have confidence that he can make plays or critical moments so that he can put together a drive in the fourth quarter against Kansas State. He gives us the lead back with a critical fourth down conversion, and a couple of nice completions there to add.

“I think the biggest thing for him is when he takes a step back and looks at, ‘Okay, where can I improve?’ And that’s the stuff we’ve been working on here for the last two weeks, trying to minimize the not-so-great plays.”

Ewers was injured on the road against Houston. Murphy stepped in to save the victory, then made the first and second starts of his career in the wins over BYU and Kansas State. Handing the reigns back to Ewers, Murphy is 39-for-70 for 465 yards and three touchdowns and three interceptions.

Of course, Sarkisian isn’t going to let Murphy’s efforts for his squad go unnoticed as he reverts to his role as the Longhorns’ second-team quarterback.

“He played some pretty good football for us, and he should be proud of that,” Sarkisian continued. “And he’s setting himself up for what the future can be, but that future can be Saturday night. What I’m telling him is that you’ve got to stay ready. You’ve got to stay prepared.

“You’ve got to stay focused, locked into the plan — like he always does — you’ve gotta be a great teammate to Quinn — like he is — and inevitably Arch [Manning] the same thing, right? Continue to work at your craft, and continue to be a great teammate so that if and/or when your number is called, you’re ready to go out and perform.”