Newly shorn and dedicated to his fitness, Texas QB Quinn Ewers says he’s more comfortable beginning 2023 season
It has been said that the quarterback for the University of Texas football team can be the most scrutinized man in the Lone Star State, with his every move under the microscope and critiqued to the nth degree.
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If that’s the case then sophomore signal-caller Quinn Ewers shows he has the knack to be successful in his job and the moxie to excel when the spotlights shine brightest.
Ewers heads to his second season in Austin with loads of expectations amid the Longhorns anticipated resurgence to college football’s echelon.
Always a man with the understanding of the yoke he is to carry and of few words, he’s taken his preparation for the 2023 campaign to the next level – even cutting off his mullet hairstyle to accentuate his leadership and seriousness.
“I’m changing stuff up – I wanted it shorter,” Ewers said of his hair. “It’s too hot here in Austin – there’s less to worry about now.”
Ewers said he carries a different feel into the season based on his knowledge of the offense.
“This time last year I was still trying to pick up the offense in certain checks and whatnot and stuff like that,” he explained. “This year I can just kind of be more ‘me’ and play more freely and not think as much. It just automatically clicks, which is huge for my position because I can focus more on fronts and keeping myself protected.”
“I’m more comfortable in my skin and I’m able to tell people what to do because ultimately who I’m around and the guys know what it’s supposed to look like. I feel like we’re really bought in this year.”
Ewers said his first season with the Longhorns taught him some difficult lessons.
“Coming into this prideful university you know what they expect and me being the perfectionist that I am it definitely was hard sometimes,” he said. “There was some adversity for sure. But I think I learned a whole lot last year about not only this team but about myself which ultimately, I believe will only help me in the long run.”
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Ewers compares playing quarterback to a “more violent chess” and enjoys the challenge the defenses give him.
“When you’re in kind of a leadership role people look at you a little differently whenever you’re telling them what to do,” he explained. “It’s cool, honestly, you know, football is cool game. At quarterback I kind of feel like I’m playing like a more violent, more active chess trying to beat the defense with certain moves. But I have no idea how to play chess – just football.”
Ewers will play this season at about 200 pounds on his 6-foot-2 frame, with a body built in the gym and at the training and nutrition table rather than at Chick-fil-A.
He said Thursday that he played in the Valero Alamo Bowl against Washington at 218 pounds, which was too heavy for him. “I’ve been more focused on eating what the university provides, you know, high higher doses of protein, less carbs, more vegetables, just the healthy stuff,” Ewers detailed.
Ewers understands that he has enough weapons around him to allow him some leeway on his throws.
“I’ve learned to not try to be perfect and to just give our guys a chance,” he said. “If you give them a chance, eight out of 10 times, seven out of 10 times they’re gonna come down with the ball.”
