Former Texas QB Sam Ehlinger will make his first NFL start on Sunday for the Colts
After being a four-year starter for the Texas Longhorns, Sam Ehlinger will make his first NFL start for the Indianapolis Colts against Washington on Sunday.
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“Right now the move is for Sam to be the starter for the rest of the season,” said Colts head coach Frank Reich.
The Colts are taking Matt Ryan out of the starting lineup after starting the first seven games in Indianapolis. As a rookie last season, Ehlinger appeared in three games for the Colts and rushed the ball three times. He hasn’t thrown an NFL pass.
Indianapolis drafted Ehlinger in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft after his career at Texas, which ended with a second team All-Big 12 selection and an Alamo Bowl victory in 2020. During his time in Austin, Ehlinger threw for 11,436 yards and 94 touchdowns over four seasons, in addition to 1,903 yards rushing and 33 touchdowns on the ground.
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In 2017 for the Longhorns, Ehlinger completed 158-of-275 passes for 1915 yards and 11 touchdowns over 7 interceptions. He added 381 yards and two scores on the ground. He took over as full-time starter in 2018, leading Texas to a Sugar Bowl win over Georgia. He was 275-425 for 3292 yards with 25 touchdowns to five interceptions. He played a key role in Texas’ short yardage package, rushing for 16 touchdowns.
In 2019, Ehlinger passed for 3663 yards with 32 touchdown to 10 interceptions. During his COVID-shortened senior season, he was 194-of-322 for 2566 yards and 26 touchdowns over five interceptions. He rushed for eight touchdowns in his final year in Austin before electing to relinquish additional eligibility and entering the NFL draft.
Ehlinger was the winner of the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award, a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, Wuerffel Trophy and Bobby Bowden Trophy. He played in 46 career games in 43 starts in Austin. He helped guide Texas to 27 wins, fourth-most in school history.
