Texas football: Casey Thompson named breakout quarterback candidate

Casey Thompson hasn’t even been declared the starter, but Pro Football Focus named the Texas football quarterback a breakout candidate for 2021. The junior is currently in a battle with redshirt freshman Hudson Card to start the season opener.

Thompson made just 17 attempts in 2020, but PFF gave him a grade of 90 in his limited work. He also had three big-time throws. His father, Charles Thompson, played quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners.

Casey Thompson played in Oklahoma at Southmoore High School before moving to Newcastle High School in his senior season. He was the No. 8 quarterback in the state for 2018, according to 247Sports.

Hudson Card isn’t related to any former college football players, but he brings in a higher recruiting ranking. The Austin native was the No. 3 dual threat quarterback in the country in 2020, according to 247Sports.

Texas coach Steve Sarkisian provided an update on the quarterback situation after a scrimmage on Saturday.

“I would say they played winning football today,” Sarkisian said. “That’s the standard, right? I mean they are putting us in a position to win games and they did that. First of all, that starts with taking care of the ball. The second aspect of that is managing the offense. I always laugh at the cliché of being a good game manager, but that’s a prerequisite for playing quarterback. The third thing, I thought they took advantage of the opportunities when they were there.

“So, I thought both of them played winning football. Probably the biggest thing that we did better today than last week, we got the ball out of our hands. We took some sacks last week, I didn’t think their eyes were great were last week and in turn we didn’t trust reads, we didn’t see coverages and we were late with the ball. Today I think they trusted their protection. They knew what was happening, they got the ball out of their hands on time and accurately. Which in turn, less sacks, but yet now moving the ball efficiently down the field.”

Sarkisian also said this week that his goal is to name a starter before the first week. The Longhorns open their season on Sept. 4 against Louisiana-Lafayette.

You might as well put “or Hudson Card, Texas” next to Casey Thompson on this list breakout list. Whichever Texas quarterback takes over has a chance to shine in first-year coach Steve Sarkisian’s offense.