In a star-studded QB room, Trey Owens earns early praise
Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning draw most of the attention when it comes to the Texas quarterback room, and with good reason. But early-enrollee true freshman Trey Owens has also earned his share of praise from Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian after a handful of spring practices.
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“Trey is a natural passer,” Sarkisian said Monday. “It definitely shows in practice. He has the ability to pass the football. He can make all the throws.”
Owens was ranked as the No. 274 overall prospect, the No. 20 quarterback, and the No. 47 prospect in Texas in the On3 Industry Ranking. On3 ranked Owens as the No. 217 overall prospect, the No. 13 quarterback, and the No. 35 player in Texas. He saw his stock rise during the All-American Bowl in early January, where On3 praised him as one of the most consistent performers throughout the week. He capped that off with a strong performance in the actual all-star game.
“During the game, the Texas signee showed the ability to move the chains and while making some impressive throws,” On3 national scout Cody Bellaire wrote. “Stacking strong performances throughout the week and along with a productive senior season make the Houston native a ‘stock up’ prospect.”
He arrived on campus at a listed 220 pounds. On the current spring roster, the Longhorns list him at 236 pounds. Sarkisian mentioned Owens had a good offseason of changing his body with strength and conditioning coach Torre Becton. Owens’ father, Joe, noticed those changes on Twitter on Thursday.
In addition to acclimating to the demands of the program, Owens has also become a quality part of the quarterback room. On Wednesday, Ewers offered his thoughts on Owens.
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“He’s a good add for us,” Ewers said. “He’s a funny guy, good to have in the room with. We’re all becoming good buddies with him. He’s good to have in the room.”
During his senior season with Cy-Fair, Owens was 206-of-284 for 3093 yards and 42 touchdowns over 5 interceptions, leading the Bobcats to the UIL 6A Div. I regional semifinals before falling to eventual state finalist Galena Park North Shore.
Sarkisian mentioned there are times when Owens gets too hard on himself for a freshman, something he wants to somewhat modify. Sarkisian said it’s his job to be critical of his players, and the players’ job to just continue to plug along.
When Owens has plugged along, Sarkisian has liked what he’s seen.
“There’s a lot coming at him four practices in,” Sarkisian said Monday after that fourth practice. “You have all the offense we put in. You have all of the defense the defense has put in and sometimes trying to put those two things together sometimes gets him. But man, you see plays out of him where he’s definitely got a chance.”
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Put another way by Sarkisian, “I think the future’s bright for him.”
