Sarkisian embraces difficult decision on quarterback prior to Texas' opener vs. Louisiana
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has 15 practices under his belt in Austin, but that was not enough data for him to make a decision on what he calls the most important position in sports — quarterback.
Redshirt freshman Hudson Card and junior Casey Thompson are competing to succeed Sam Ehlinger as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback. Both have their strengths and weaknesses and had ups and downs during the spring, but Sarkisian needs more data before he names a starter ahead of the opener versus Louisiana.
At Big 12 Media Days, Sarkisian praised both of the contenders. He said it is a luxury for him to have to choose between Thompson and Card. He lauded Thompson for his athleticism, focus, and football IQ. Card was complimented for his passing ability and instincts.
Eventually, he’ll have to “trust his gut” and decide, a process he does not want to be easy.
“When we do, it’s not going to be because the other guy gave the job up,” Sarkisian said July 15. “They’re going to make it tough on me. That’s what I told them. ‘You guys need to make this decision as hard as you can on me.’”
In the current climate, a quarterback waiting his turn for an opportunity is becoming less common. Some quarterbacks, including ones who were at Texas, don’t care to wait for a chance to play.
Whether Card or Thompson wins the Longhorn quarterback job, Sarkisian explained how crucial the runner-up’s role would be in the 2021 season. Even if it is unlikely both quarterbacks stick around, Sarkisian made his case against the backup immediately entering the transfer portal following the results of the competition.
“Because I name one guy the starter doesn’t mean we don’t need the other one because the other guy’s a play away,” Sarkisian said. “In this day and age of college football, to think you’ll go 13, 14 games throughout a season with one quarterback probably isn’t realistic.”
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Gut decisions don’t typically have timeframes, but answers regarding game one prep may indicate when Sarkisian would like to have his choice known. Texas opens the 2021 season against Louisiana, who went 10-1 in 2020, topped Iowa State to open the season, and finished No. 15 in the AP poll.
At the Texas High School Coaches Association’s annual coaching school, Sarkisian said his staff already has looked at the Ragin’ Cajuns. They hope to start actual prep with the players for Louisiana “probably two weeks out.”
Two weeks from the season-opener is a popular juncture for coaches to name starters. Texas will likely have scrimmaged two or three times by August 21, with both Thompson and Card receiving ample opportunity to take hold of the starting role.
From that point on, it will be about preparing for Sarkisian’s former coworker at Alabama, Billy Napier.
“They return 20 guys,” Sarkisian said. “Veteran group, they play sound football. They believe in running the ball. They believe in keeping the ball in front of them on defense and attacking up front. We’ve got our work cut out for us, for sure.”
