Photo via AP
Texas senior quarterback Sam Ehlinger addressed the media during his weekly Zoom interview session. Here are the highlights of his availability.
--- Ehlinger on the advantages of Texas utilizing 12 personnel this year: “We're very fortunate to have such a solid tight end room. They've done a great job of picking up schemes last game in the run game. That whole room can get out on the field and contribute significantly. It's been nice for us because obviously when you're in 12 personnel it's a heavy run thought. But then, all of those guys can split out and be dangerous weapons. It also helps on the perimeter with our running because if they want to load the box, you got a tight end out there blocking for our fast guys on a corner. There're a lot of advantages to it. That whole tight end room has done a great job of coming in every day and focusing on the details of being as best they can be.”
--- Ehlinger felt like he was aiming the ball and did not let it rip against UTEP. He missed a few throws after watching the film. Ehlinger’s goal is to “let it rip” against Texas Tech.
--- Ehlinger on his relationship with offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich: “Extremely comfortable because of the preparation that we put in. I think the biggest thing, going into the game, we solidified the game plan so much, I know every single little check for every look and every possibility that when it comes game day, I've seen everything at least once, if not twice, and I'm ready to go. I think it also has to do with being comfortable with the guys running the plays. Offensively, every position has done a great job of paying attention to the details and understanding if we want to be what we can be, we have to capitalize on every single little detail, from splits to depth of routes, to hand placement on blocks. I'm very comfortable with the way that everybody has been paying attention the details on that. Then it's just easy when we get out there.”
--- Ehlinger said they focused on a lot of one-on-one situations during the bye week. Their goal was to stay in rhythm while obtaining quality reps.
--- When asked for his top fan story from Lubbock, Ehlinger said he enjoyed seeing the tortillas thrown after the opening kickoff. He said it is unfortunate there will only be a quarter of that amount thrown on Saturday due to seating limitations.
--- Ehlinger said receiver Joshua Moore earned the respect of his teammates last year by working hard every day in practice even knowing that he was not going to play. He is proud of how Moore handled that situation.
--- In previous seasons, former offensive coordinator Tim Beck would sit down with Ehlinger and let his quarterback throw out plays he was not comfortable with. Ehlinger said he has the same conversations with Yurcich: “We still do that. We were constantly going over the game plan and kind of the calls that he's anticipating calling on game day. The same thing. If I don't feel comfortable with the play, he won't call it, and we go over that for the week after we get reps and reps and reps. He's very good at being conscious of the plays that I feel comfortable with. We have a relationship where we work together. I think he has trust in me that I have a good amount of experience under my belt. I feel comfortable with what will be successful. Obviously, I trust him with everything that he's calling as well.”
--- Ehlinger said former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy is one of his mentors. They had dinner during the offseason and threw together. Ehlinger said, "There're not many people who are better to lean on and ask advice. He's an incredible football player, as well as a great man, a family man. I really love the way that he carries himself and represents his family. It's been an absolute blessing to have him in my life and be able to know I can lean on him with whatever question that may be because anything that I'm going through, he's been in the exact same spot, and he’s handled it extremely well.”
