Quarterbacks: Where Does Texas Stand? (by Ross Labenske)

[Harrison Wier]

The Tom Herman era got off to a hot start. On the third play of the regular season, Maryland QB Tyrrell Pigrome threw a pass that was intercepted 31 yards for a touchdown, giving Texas a 7-0 lead. It only got worse from there.

The two teams duked it out last weekend at Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium, and the 18-point underdog Terrapins won their first game versus a ranked opponent since 2010, 51 – 41. And as great a performance it was for the Terrapins, it left the Longhorns and their fans with more questions than answers.

One of the most critical takeaways from the season opener was the injury to sophomore QB Shane Buechele. The second-year starter was hoping to improve upon his breakout freshman year, throwing for 2,985 yards with 21 passing touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions.

His sophomore campaign didn’t start in amazing fashion, as he completed 34 of his 52 passes for 375 yards, 2 touchdowns through the air and one on the ground, and an interception to accompany that. While that’s just fine and dandy, he bruised his throwing shoulder during the game and is being further evaluated.

What does this mean for the Longhorns? Shane Buechele did not practice on Tuesday and Coach Herman has yet to rule him out for the home game this weekend against the visiting San Jose State Spartans.







What are the Longhorns’ options at the quarterback position? The only 2 QBs on the depth chart is injured starter Shane Buechele and true freshman Sam Ehlinger. The only other option that Texas could explore would be former quarterback turned wide receiver Jerrod Heard, who started 10 games during the 2015 season.

But is Heard a legitimate option? While he did have a moderately successful year – throwing for 1214 yards – he had the same number of touchdowns as interceptions at 5. And while that may not be great, it was Heard’s running ability that made him a legitimate threat, rushing 139 times for 556 yards and 3 touchdowns. He did upset Oklahoma, a top-10 team at the time, but only passed 11 times in the upset. It was the running game that got the Longhorns the upset over their bitter rival, as they rushed 58 times. But that is not a precedent for success in this day and age of spread offenses, and Heard has not started at quarterback since November 14, 2015 in a loss to West Virginia. Coach Herman once considered Heard the “nuclear option,” but being that Buechele is potentially out for the game versus the Spartans, Heard is taking second team snaps during the week.

What this program needs is a sense of stability, but that might be out of the question as the Texas varsity squad could be starting their third freshman quarterback in 3 years if freshman Sam Ehlinger gets the start on Saturday.

Sam Ehlinger is a from Westlake here in Austin, Texas and was recruited heavily as a dual-threat quarterback, ranked #4 of all players from the 2017 class and #19 highest rated player in the state. Whether he is ready to take the reins of such a team is up for debate. It’s a sigh of relief that Ehlinger gets to test his abilities and get a feel for live-time action at home instead of next week, when the Longhorns travel to Los Angeles to take on USC in a prime time matchup.

Ehlinger will be able to test his abilities on Saturday, as the Longhorns look to bounce back against San Jose State at 2:30 PM at Darrell K. Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium.

 

[NLeininger]

You absolutely have to play both Sam and Jerrod at QB on Saturday with the full offense. There is no denying that Buechele is becoming injury prone, to the point that his performance takes a noticeable dip.

 

[North Texas Golfer]

We will know where we stand after the game because we don't know the true severity of Shane's injury and we don't know how Sam will respond when he gets in the game. 

 

[Harrison Wier]

You absolutely have to play both Sam and Jerrod at QB on Saturday with the full offense. There is no denying that Buechele is becoming injury prone, to the point that his performance takes a noticeable dip.

I don't know why so many fans want Heard in at QB. Quite frankly, it isn't gonna happen unless both Shane and Sam are injured. That's even if Shane doesn't play on Saturday, which I believe he actually will. It's not just you NL, I just don't get it lol.

 

[NLeininger]

I don't know why so many fans want Heard in at QB. Quite frankly, it isn't gonna happen unless both Shane and Sam are injured. That's even if Shane doesn't play on Saturday, which I believe he actually will. It's not just you NL, I just don't get it lol.

Because he's more of a fit for Herman's offense. Buechele is 5-8 as the starter, and despite is deceptive final stats, was abysmal for long stretches against Maryland including the 1st 13 minutes of the 4Q when Texas had a chance to win the game. Heard was the #1 DT QB in his class, which included 1st round pick DeShaun Watson, so surely someone thought he could be good. Then you have to consider he had Shawn Watson coaching him and the complete dysfunctional offensive staff of 2015.

I would take Heard and his 57% pct over Shane and his 65% for this offense, especially considering the coaching he get from this staff. I've come to the conclusion that when you have a dynamic QB in the run game, the opposing defense has a much harder time game planning and stopping them, and it opens up the rest of your offense. Now you have a pass rush on their heels, you have LBs and DBs having to account for the QB run so they don't get proper depth in their drops. You can scramble around and let your WRs get open. Your run game becomes multiple because of the misdirection.

How many downfield throws did Shane actually have against Maryland, probably between 10-15? A lot of the throws in this offense are within -2 to +5 yards of the LOS. I feel Heard with the proper coaching and reps could complete those throws, while also giving you the dynamic play making ability in the run game that Shane will never provide.

 

[North Texas Golfer]

I don't know why so many fans want Heard in at QB. Quite frankly, it isn't gonna happen unless both Shane and Sam are injured. That's even if Shane doesn't play on Saturday, which I believe he actually will. It's not just you NL, I just don't get it lol.

The smart ass in me wants to say, yes you don't get it   But I won't. Just busting your chops.

Appreciate your work and contributions to the site. Thanks.

 

[longhorn_mig]

Shane missed practice today: https://twitter.com/AnwarRichardson/status/905552026897133573

Still haven't figured out how to embed tweets on the new server.

 

[North Texas Golfer]

I don't know why so many fans want Heard in at QB. Quite frankly, it isn't gonna happen unless both Shane and Sam are injured. That's even if Shane doesn't play on Saturday, which I believe he actually will. It's not just you NL, I just don't get it lol.

Now for my serious reply. 

Probably because he is arguably the most electric player Texas has had in in the past few years. And he was electric at the QB position not at WR. Yes, you can look at his bad games and think he can't play QB. But, man, watch the video of the last drive of the Cal game if you want to see absolute badass!

 

[DBut82]

Because he's more of a fit for Herman's offense. Buechele is 5-8 as the starter, and despite is deceptive final stats, was abysmal for long stretches against Maryland including the 1st 13 minutes of the 4Q when Texas had a chance to win the game. Heard was the #1 DT QB in his class, which included 1st round pick DeShaun Watson, so surely someone thought he could be good. Then you have to consider he had Shawn Watson coaching him and the complete dysfunctional offensive staff of 2015.

I would take Heard and his 57% pct over Shane and his 65% for this offense.

How many downfield throws did Shane actually have against Maryland, probably between 10-15? A lot of the throws in this offense are within -2 to +5 yards of the LOS. I feel Heard with the proper coaching and reps could complete those throws, while also giving you the dynamic play making ability in the run game that Shane will never provide.

I pretty much agree 100% with this.  I'm actually baffled that the Heard detractors refuse to take into account the cluster frack that was the offensive staff during Heard's year as starter.  I mean, has everyone forgotten that Watson was demoted, Swoopes benched and the interim OC was a converted receiver's coach (I forget his name) who was asked to step in and provide "a power run game with spread principles".  WTH is that???  And throughout all that Heard managed to post numbers similar to Vince Young's RS freshman season (not that I think he's VY at all).  I think you guys are selling heard short is all.  Plus as NL mentioned, he as the #1 dual threat qb in the nation.  He was a 2 time state champion which means he's a winner.  He's won games at this level and is a much better fit for this offense.  And I failed to mentioned that he was the returning starter before his shoulder injury  caused him to fall behind in the competition.  I really think if coached and given an opportunity he can be ever bit the qb we hope Shane can be.  Plus he's a dynamic runner. A dimension Shane will NEVER give the offense.

 

[NLeininger]

The more highlights I see the more I want a real coaching staff working with Jerrod. It's easy to forget how dynamic he was at QB.

2015 offense averaged 5.7 yards per play, Heard had a passing rating of 126.1 with an AY/A of 6.8, averaging 26.4 PPG

Heard was the leading rusher with 561 yards, somehow that genius staff gave the ball to Foreman 94 times.

2016 offense averaged 5.9 yards per play, Buechele had a passing rating of 136, with an AY/A of 7.4 averaging 31.9 PPG

Foreman rushed for over 2K yards, yet Buechele only had minimal gains to Heard in the passing department and total offensive output.

 

[Captain Hookem]

I don't know why so many fans want Heard in at QB. Quite frankly, it isn't gonna happen unless both Shane and Sam are injured. That's even if Shane doesn't play on Saturday, which I believe he actually will. It's not just you NL, I just don't get it lol.

I don't necessarily want Heard as QB, but I do want at least 2 QB as options.

We already knew that Shane was smaller and may be unable to take the beating that comes with a Herman offense.  Ehlinger was also tough fighting through injuries last year, but... BOTH of our QBs spent much of last season injured.

Therefore, Heard needs to play some because we just don't a choice at this point. 

Also, I think it's easier for a QB that can run to work an offense than one at the same experience level who has a better arm. Or to put in different terms... play sandlot football until our QB riches improve. 

 

[JMagana]

Because he's more of a fit for Herman's offense. Buechele is 5-8 as the starter, and despite is deceptive final stats, was abysmal for long stretches against Maryland including the 1st 13 minutes of the 4Q when Texas had a chance to win the game. Heard was the #1 DT QB in his class, which included 1st round pick DeShaun Watson, so surely someone thought he could be good. Then you have to consider he had Shawn Watson coaching him and the complete dysfunctional offensive staff of 2015.

I would take Heard and his 57% pct over Shane and his 65% for this offense, especially considering the coaching he get from this staff. I've come to the conclusion that when you have a dynamic QB in the run game, the opposing defense has a much harder time game planning and stopping them, and it opens up the rest of your offense. Now you have a pass rush on their heels, you have LBs and DBs having to account for the QB run so they don't get proper depth in their drops. You can scramble around and let your WRs get open. Your run game becomes multiple because of the misdirection.

How many downfield throws did Shane actually have against Maryland, probably between 10-15? A lot of the throws in this offense are within -2 to +5 yards of the LOS. I feel Heard with the proper coaching and reps could complete those throws, while also giving you the dynamic play making ability in the run game that Shane will never provide.

Shane win and loss record is definitely not an accurate reflection of him as a player. If defense played better and the team was better coached last year Texas wind 8 games or better. Very few QBs are asked to come in and play as true freshmen, it's extremely hard to do.

How anyone can watch the game Saturday (O-line, Defense, lack of Running Game, Penalties) and look at circumstances from last year and put it on that kid is beyond me. 

Deshaun Watson went to a stable situation with one of the top 2-3 coaches/programs in the game something that no Texas QB has had here since Colt.

Since Saturday I've been on here preaching that we need to let things play out.

He might not be the answer but to say he's not the answer...

In my best Chris Carter voice...

Com'on man!

 

[NLeininger]

Shane win and loss record is definitely not an accurate reflection of him as a player. If defense played better and the team was better coached last year Texas wind 8 games or better. Very few QBs are asked to come in and play as true freshmen, it's extremely hard to do.

How anyone can watch the game Saturday (O-line, Defense, lack of Running Game, Penalties) and look at circumstances from last year and put it on that kid is beyond me. 

Deshaun Watson went to a stable situation with one of the top 2-3 coaches/programs in the game something that no Texas QB has had here since Colt.

Since Saturday I've been on here preaching that we need to let things play out.

He might not be the answer but to say he's not the answer...

In my best Chris Carter voice...

Com'on man!

What if Shane played better? I've watched the game plenty of times since Saturday. Shane was complicit in the loss just as much as the OL, Defense, STs, and coaching staff.

You can also say the same thing about Heard, with better coaching he might still be the starter.

I do find it humorous that you preach let it play out, did you take the same approach with Jerrod after 2015, a year in which all but 1 offensive coach lost their job?

 

[North Texas Golfer]

I pretty much agree 100% with this.  I'm actually baffled that the Heard detractors refuse to take into account the cluster frack that was the offensive staff during Heard's year as starter.  I mean, has everyone forgotten that Watson was demoted, Swoopes benched and the interim OC was a converted receiver's coach (I forget his name) who was asked to step in and provide "a power run game with spread principles".  WTH is that???  And throughout all that Heard managed to post numbers similar to Vince Young's RS freshman season (not that I think he's VY at all).  I think you guys are selling heard short is all.  Plus as NL mentioned, he as the #1 dual threat qb in the nation.  He was a 2 time state champion which means he's a winner.  He's won games at this level and is a much better fit for this offense.  And I failed to mentioned that he was the returning starter before his shoulder injury  caused him to fall behind in the competition.  I really think if coached and given an opportunity he can be ever bit the qb we hope Shane can be.  Plus he's a dynamic runner. A dimension Shane will NEVER give the offense.

And you forgot to even mention the "offensive coordinator", Joe Wickline. There are numerous accounts on numerous boards about how toxic the meeting room was when the offensive staff got together. It's hard to fathom that people don't seem to have a clue how bad that offensive coaching was or want to discount it. As I said in this thread or maybe some other thread, this offensive staff was so fracking incompetent that they couldn't even make adjustments when the other team made adjustments to what Heard was doing. Some people can't seem to get that, "cough, cough", Harrison. 

 

[Baron]

I don't know why so many fans want Heard in at QB. Quite frankly, it isn't gonna happen unless both Shane and Sam are injured. That's even if Shane doesn't play on Saturday, which I believe he actually will. It's not just you NL, I just don't get it lol.

Because of his dynamic running ability. I don't want him starting if Buechele can't go, but I think he would be a great option to keep Ehlinger from having to deal with too much in his first start if things go wrong. Plus it's SJ State, take time to get the OLine doing what they do best, run blocking and let Ehlinger, Heard and LJH run and run with a few passes mixed in.

 

[oldhorn2]

I love it when these arm chair QB's start getting all huffy when they lay out their "case" as to why this guy or that guy should be playing QB instead of the guy who is playing QB.

You want Heard?...electric runner...yep...that he was/is. ..But he is no college QB. What I remember about him was slow to read....very hesitant when pressure was coming....and turning 2nd and 2's into 3rd and 9's...time after time after time. And we arent talking about Heard as a true freshman. He was a red shirt freshman. A redshirt freshman who was enjoying the college experience more than watching film. I cant blame him for that.

I just get tired of these non expert experts that are somewhat surprised when the whole board does not buy into their arguments.  Seriously?...Playing the Wickline card?

Keep em coming....I need the laughs.

 

[Baron]

I love it when these arm chair QB's start getting all huffy when they lay out their "case" as to why this guy or that guy should be playing QB instead of the guy who is playing QB.

You want Heard?...electric runner...yep...that he was/is. ..But he is no college QB. What I remember about him was slow to read....very hesitant when pressure was coming....and turning 2nd and 2's into 3rd and 9's...time after time after time. And we arent talking about Heard as a true freshman. He was a red shirt freshman. A redshirt freshman who was enjoying the college experience more than watching film. I cant blame him for that.

I just get tired of these non expert experts that are somewhat surprised when the whole board does not buy into their arguments.  Seriously?...Playing the Wickline card?

Keep em coming....I need the laughs.

Hopefully it's for only one game. Besides it's a forum, a place for non experts to spout their opinions.

 

[Sirhornsalot]

Yeah, I kinda thought that was the point of having message boards. 

 

[JMagana]

I agree he wasn't given a fair shake but to that ship has sailed.

Did you forget that as a redshirt sophomore he and a senior were beat out for the job by a true freshman. He's had two off-seasons/camps to show that he has the intangibles (physical and mental) to be the QB at Texas. No Dice.

Shane had as good or better #s of other D1 QBs starting as true freshmen which includes Jalen Hurts (look it up). I'm sure you know what the biggest difference between Texas and Alabama is so I don't have to go over the importance coaching/supporting cast.

How can we second guess the guy (Herman and Shane) after the first game together?