UT Austin Quarterbacks: A Legacy of Excellence

The University of Texas at Austin has a rich history of producing exceptional quarterbacks who have left an indelible mark on the world of college football. From the legendary Earl Campbell to the dynamic Sam Ehlinger, these signal-callers have shaped the Longhorns’ identity as a perennial powerhouse.

Earl Campbell: A Trailblazing Icon

Earl Campbell, a running back who played quarterback for the Longhorns from 1974 to 1977, is widely regarded as one of the greatest college football players of all time. His accolades include the 1977 Heisman Trophy, three consensus All-American selections, and a place on the College Football Hall of Fame.

Campbell’s impact on Texas football was profound. He shattered numerous records, including the single-season rushing mark of 1,448 yards in 1977. His electrifying running style and relentless determination inspired a generation of Longhorn fans and players.

Ricky Williams: A Record-Breaking Enigma

Ricky Williams, who played quarterback from 1995 to 1998, became one of the most prolific runners in college history. He holds the NCAA FBS record for career rushing yards (6,279) and touchdowns (73).

Williams was a dynamic playmaker who combined exceptional speed and agility with a powerful running style. He led the Longhorns to a Big 12 title in 1996 and earned consensus All-American honors twice.

Vince Young: A National Champion

Vince Young, who played quarterback from 2003 to 2005, is remembered for his exceptional leadership and game-winning abilities. He led the Longhorns to the 2005 BCS National Championship with a thrilling 41-38 victory over the University of Southern California.

Young was a dual-threat quarterback who could both throw and run with equal effectiveness. He accounted for over 6,500 yards of total offense during his three seasons as a starter.

Colt McCoy: A Consistent Performer

Colt McCoy, who played quarterback from 2006 to 2009, was known for his accuracy, durability, and ability to manage a game effectively. He started 52 consecutive games for the Longhorns and led them to three Big 12 South titles.

McCoy set numerous school records, including the career passing yards mark (13,242) and the career completion percentage (68.5%). He was a two-time consensus All-American and finished third in the 2009 Heisman Trophy voting.

Sam Ehlinger: A Modern-Day Legend

Sam Ehlinger, who played quarterback from 2017 to 2020, is considered one of the most successful quarterbacks in Longhorn history. He led the team to four consecutive bowl games, including three Sugar Bowls and the Alamo Bowl.

Ehlinger was a versatile athlete who could make plays with both his arm and legs. He finished his career with over 11,000 passing yards and 40 passing touchdowns, as well as over 1,500 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns.

The Future of UT Austin Quarterbacks

The University of Texas at Austin continues to attract and develop talented quarterbacks. The current starter, Hudson Card, is a promising young player who has shown flashes of brilliance. The Longhorns also have a strong pipeline of high school recruits at the quarterback position.

Conclusion

The UT Austin quarterbacks have played a pivotal role in the program’s success over the decades. From Earl Campbell to Sam Ehlinger, these signal-callers have left an unforgettable legacy on Texas football and the sport as a whole. The future is bright for UT Austin quarterbacks, as the program continues to produce exceptional talent at the most important position on the field.

Key Takeaways

• UT Austin has a rich history of producing exceptional quarterbacks.
• Earl Campbell, Ricky Williams, Vince Young, Colt McCoy, and Sam Ehlinger are among the most notable Longhorn quarterbacks.
• These quarterbacks have won numerous awards, set records, and led UT Austin to championship success.
• The legacy of UT Austin quarterbacks continues with promising prospects like Hudson Card.

FAQs

1. Who is the greatest UT Austin quarterback of all time?
   There is no definitive answer to this question, as each quarterback had their own unique strengths and accomplishments. However, Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams are often mentioned among the best.
2. How many quarterbacks have won the Heisman Trophy at UT Austin?
   Earl Campbell won the Heisman Trophy in 1977.
3. How many national championships have UT Austin quarterbacks won?
   Vince Young led the Longhorns to the 2005 BCS National Championship.
4. What is the current UT Austin quarterback situation?
   Hudson Card is the current starting quarterback for UT Austin.
5. Who are some promising quarterback recruits for UT Austin?
   Quinn Ewers and Maalik Murphy are two highly rated quarterback recruits who have committed to UT Austin.
6. What is the future of UT Austin quarterbacks?
   The future of UT Austin quarterbacks is bright, with a strong pipeline of talented prospects and a tradition of developing exceptional signal-callers.

Table 1: UT Austin Quarterbacks with Heisman Trophy Awards

Table 2: UT Austin Quarterbacks with National Championship Titles

Table 3: UT Austin Quarterbacks with Career Passing Records

Table 4: UT Austin Quarterbacks with Career Rushing Records