Texas quarterbacks making Steve Sarkisian’s decision to name a starter a hard one
By John Buhler
Steve Sarkisian is not ready to name a starting quarterback for the Texas football team just yet.
In his first year on the job, new Texas football head coach Steve Sarkisian has to name a new starting quarterback between Casey Thompson and Hudson Card.
Thompson and Card have the tall task of replacing long-time starter Sam Ehlinger in Austin. While Sarkisian had 15 spring practices to evaluate both promising signal-callers, he is obviously not ready to name a starter for Week 1 of the 2021 college season. Thompson might have the slight edge because of in-game experience, but Card has the better talent as a pure passer at this point.
“But at some point, training camp, I’m going to have to trust my gut and I’ve got to name the starter,” Sarkisian said at Big 12 Media Days. And when we do, it’s not going to be because the other guy gave the job up. They’re going to make it tough on me, and that’s what I told them. You guys need to make this decision as hard as you can on me because I name one guy the starter doesn’t mean we don’t need the other one.”
When Sarkisian does finally trust his gut, who will he be going with in Week 1: Card or Thompson?
Texas football: Steve Sarkisian faces tough task in choosing a new starting QB
This is one of those things that Sarkisian needs to keep incredibly close to the vest. The moment he picks a starter, the likelihood of the loser hitting the transfer portal increases. With a tough opener against Louisiana-Lafeyette on Labor Day Weekend, Sarkisian may not name a starter until the first week of September.
Should he go with Card or Thompson in 2021?
Based on how last season ended, Sarkisian should roll with Thompson as the starter. Sarkisian should not hesitate to go with Card if Thompson falters or if Card proves to be the better option as the summer and fall plays out.
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