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Charlie Strong fighting the good fight when it comes to the Shane Buechele hype

Anwar Richardson

Well-Known Member
Staff
Apr 24, 2014
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By now, Texas coach Charlie Strong knows what Longhorn fans want to hear. He understands saying anything positive about Shane Buechele would be the equivalent of winning Powerball for fans who have been waiting several years to witness a productive quarterback lead their program. Buechele is the one player who provides fans with hope.

However, Buechele is the one player Strong is hesitant to hype up – right now.

Strong addressed the media during an last minute press conference on Wednesday. Texas men’s basketball coach Shaka Smart was slated to speak with reporters on Wednesday at 10:30 p.m., and Strong added to the lineup on Tuesday night.

As expected, Strong was asked about Buechele on more than one occasion. Of course, Strong attempted to downplay the player nearly every Longhorn observer believes will start in the season opener against Notre Dame.

Buechele has emerged as a leader during the offseason. He began organizing informal workouts with teammates after the spring game. In fact, the workouts were earlier than in previous years. Strong recently shared a story about Buechele practicing in the street on a Friday night with receiver Collin Johnson after the stadium lights were turned off. He appears to be the player teammates are rallying around.

Strong was asked if Buechele was the leader this summer, and quickly began talking about Tyrone Swoopes and Jerrod Heard.

“The quarterback position is always going to be a position where you’re going to see a leader emerge from that group,” Strong said. “Still though, Swoopes is doing a good job of working hard. Even Jerrod. This summer, guys are out there around one another. They know who Shane, just how hard he works and what he brings to team. With Swoopes and Heard, all three of those guys are doing a good job. It’s just hard to say it’s just one guy who is stepping forward."


Actually, it would be easy for Strong to say Buechele is the man, but there are probably a few seasons why he is hesitant.

If Strong does not give the appearance of an open competition, Swoopes and Heard might lost their incentive to continue grinding this summer. Strong has been pleased with Buechele progress, and saying too many positive things right now might make the true freshman ease up. By not saying much, Strong is making sure each quarterback continues to work hard until a starter is named.

That being said, I asked Strong an obvious question on Wednesday. Swoopes has traditionally played well in practice, but struggled during actual games. Everyone was told about Swoopes’ turnaround last year prior to the season opener. After a dismal performance, former offensive coordinator Shawn Watson was demoted, and Swoopes was benched. Swoopes did start in the season-ending win against Baylor, but the Longhorns did not win because of him. He completed 12-of-19 passes for 151 yards and one touchdown, plus 52 rushing yards and one touchdown.

Strong said was not concerned about Swoopes not meeting expectations – again – this season.

“No, he’s going into his senior year now,” Strong said. “You expect more from guys, and guys will step up. You’re right, it’s still summer, but still though, when a guy goes into his senior year, you’re going to expect more from him.”

Strong said it.

Longhorn fans are not hearing it.

One thing we do not know is when Texas will name its starting quarterback. The staff wanted to name a starter during the spring, but decided to wait until training camp. If all goes well, for UT, a starter will be named in early August.

“I would like to think we’ll get it done earlier in camp, so we can get the guys with the ones and move on,” Strong said. “When I look it now, just the way we’re trying to build a team, I like to say we have enough bodies now where we can play two units on both sides of the ball. They are going to get the practice in. If you get the practice in, and you’re able to get them some snaps early. God forbid a guy was to get an injury, now you’ve played them enough where they can go in, and you can feel comfortable with them.”

What if there is a tie?

Strong previously said if a freshman is tied with an upperclassman, the tie always goes to the younger player. A freshman has more room for advancement and growth. They have a much higher ceiling. Swoopes and Heard have not outshone Buechele during the offseason. I asked Strong if Buechele would start if he was tied with Swoopes or Heard.

He does not believe that will happen.

“I think that position will work itself out,” Strong said. “They’ll be given plenty of opportunity to get that done.”
 
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