Steve Sarkisian careful not to tip his hand in leader in Texas football quarterback competition

Steve Sarkisian, Texas Longhorns. (Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports)
Steve Sarkisian, Texas Longhorns. (Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports)

Steve Sarkisian gives an update on how the quarterback competition is going within his Texas football program between Casey Thompson and Hudson Card.

In his first year leading the Texas football program, head coach Steve Sarkisian handicaps the ongoing quarterback competition between junior Casey Thompson and redshirt freshman Hudson Card.

“I thought the competition went well,” said Sarkisian after spring practice. “Clearly, we’re installing a new scheme for these guys. And so, Casey Thompson, who’s been in the program, really had a great second half of the Alamo Bowl. I thought he’s had a nice spring of just kind of stepping up within the system. And then Hudson Card is a redshirt freshman, really, who I thought has shown a lot of development as well.”

“We’re not ready to make a decision at that position. I think it’s going to take us a little bit of time here throughout the summer and into the fall camp. But I like the progress these guys are making, that running a new system for them.”

Steve Sarkisian not ready to tip his hand on Texas quarterback competition

The two big things revealed by Sarkisian are this. One, both Card and Thompson have to learn a new offensive system, so that is a big reason why no clear leader has emerged out of spring practice. And two, why would he tell us who is going to be the Week 1 starter well before he has to? Once again, competing will be key in seeing what quarterback replaces Sam Ehlinger in 2021.

If you want to read between the lines a little, Thompson not running away with it means that Card is seriously pushing for the job. Again, a new coaching staff in place plays a bigger role in this than anything. However, if Thompson was really electric in spring practice, there would not be any doubt if he emerged as the unquestioned Week 1 starter. Right now, it is way too close to call.

The longer the competition stays open, the more likely it could end up being Card’s starting job.

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