Football

Quinn Ewers named Texas' starting QB, 'thankful for all the opportunities God has given me'

By Kevin Mercer Aug 22, 2022
Quinn Ewers (Photo courtesy of Twitter/@CFBKings)

Quinn Ewers is back in his home state, and now he’s been tasked with leading one of the most popular college football programs in the country.

On Friday, second-year Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian named the 6-foot-2, 206-pound Southlake, Texas, native as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback. Ewers, a redshirt freshman, had been in a preseason quarterback competition with sophomore Hudson Card.

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The top player in his high school class according to 247 Sports, Ewers originally committed to join the Longhorns for the 2022 season. However, he reclassified to 2021 and signed with Ohio State after the state of Texas prohibited high school players from profiting on their name, image and likeness.

In Columbus, Ewers found himself behind Heisman finalist C.J. Stroud on the Buckeyes’ quarterback depth chart. He took just two snaps in the scarlet and gray and did not attempt a pass. In December 2021, Ewers announced he would be transferring back to his home state and joining the Longhorns, who open the 2022 season ranked No. 18 in the coaches poll.

“I grew up always watching the Longhorns play, wanting to be in the burnt orange,” Ewers said in April, according to Buckeyes Now. “There was a little obstacle in between, but I ended up here and I’m very thankful for all the opportunities God has given me.

“I’m just excited to be back in the home state. Coach (Sarkisian) once told me, ‘That’s why the rearview mirror is so small and the windshield is so big.’ You kind of put the past behind you and focus on what’s ahead, and I’m super excited about what’s ahead, for sure.”

In a piece for the Players’ Tribune in May, Ewers said about his decision to transfer to Texas, “It took a lot of prayer, but I’m confident in the choice I made.”

Surrounded with talented playmakers like star running back Bijan Robinson at a program like Texas, and with his identifiable bleached blond mullet and distinctive name, Ewers is bound to receive plenty of media attention this fall. It should be nothing new to Ewers, however, whose immense football talent has put him in the spotlight for years.

Yet when many would be overwhelmed by the fame at such a young age, Ewers credits his Christian faith with keeping him from falling into the same trap.

He has the Bible verse Luke 17:21 tattooed on his right forearm. On his chest is another tattoo, this one of a cross with reference to the Bible verse Joshua 1:9, which says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

 

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A post shared by Quinn Ewers (@quinn_ewers)

Ewers, who has a picture of a cross as his Twitter cover photo and another cross in his Instagam bio, knows it is God who directs his steps in life and has led him to becoming the starting quarterback at Texas. It’s exactly where he’s wanted to be since he first picked up a football, and he’s exactly who many believe will be the next great Longhorns quarterback.

Ewers and his teammates will open the 2022 season with a contest at home against Louisiana-Monroe on Sept. 3 at 8 p.m. ET. The following week, they’ll host preseason-No. 1 Alabama.

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