State of the Program: Ewers’ progress at QB is a focal point
On the latest episode of On Texas Football’s State of the Program, Inside Texas’ Bobby Burton and Eric Nahlin get us caught up on the happenings at Spring practice, including the progress across the board from quarterback Quinn Ewers, some battles on defense and the (good) surprises from the wide receivers.
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Burton asked Nahlin if Ewers has the talent to be the No.1 overall pick potentially someday.
“I think we both agree that Ewers has that level of talent,” Burton opined. “But he’s not going to be a 10 out of 10 his second year in college, right? And the question is whether he’s going to be a four or a five like he was last year, if he’s going to be a six or a seven this year, or an eight or a nine this coming year.”
Nahlin, the publisher of Inside Texas, said Ewers has progressed from a 5 on a scale of 1-10 last season to a 7.5 this Spring.
“I expect this season that he can blow it up more statistically than that, given the weapons that they have and Sark’s ability to play-call and scheme,” Nahlin said. “You know, maybe he can outperform a 7½ rating, but I don’t know if that would necessarily mean he’s ready for the NFL. You know, a lot goes in to being mentally ready.”
What’s encouraging, according to Nahlin, is that Ewers is reading defenses better, he’s getting through his progressions quicker and his accuracy is improved.
“Quinn’s development is the most important storyline going into the season,” Nahlin explained. “Right now I feel confident saying that he’s definitely improved over last season, not so much that he can elevate the offense over the defense through spring ball – the defense is still having its way.
“But he’s matured quite a bit and I think he’s really starting to earn Sark’s trust. Whereas last year, Sark was telling him what to do and where to go with the ball. Now he has a little bit more autonomy.”
Nahlin said the defense is well ahead of the offense at this point in Spring drills.
“We’ve known that’s been the case all spring just like it was the case last August,” Nahlin said. “You know that’s a pervasive theme and it’s probably gonna hold steady going into the season. I don’t think we’re gonna know how good this offense is going to be until they’re going up against a different defense.”
Texas will change out of its routine of practicing Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday this week with the period’s final practice coming in Friday because of the Easter holiday.
There’s plenty of more info on the video, including the progress report on the running back and the wide receivers and a rundown of what Nahlin and the Inside Texas staff will be looking for in the Orange/White Game on April 15.
