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Texas coach Charlie Strong knows his fan base wants Shane Buechele. There is no sugar coating it. They are not shy about their desire to see Buechele play. They believe 16 will be their lucky number this season.
Strong attempted to tease a hungry crowd at the Touchdown Club of Houston on Friday. In fact, he was definitely in a teasing mood during the luncheon. Strong said there was a chance Texas could renew its rivalry with Texas A&M. Even though a UT spokesperson said specific details have not been discussed, you got to think something might be in the works for Strong to mention the game.
Prior to Strong’s summoning the memories of Justin Tucker’s game-winning field goal against Texas A&M in 2011, he playfully addressed the quarterback situation.
Strong was giving a breakdown of the Longhorn quarterbacks during his speech. He mentioned Tyrone Swoopes. Mentioned Jerrod Heard. Pointed out Kai Locksley. Brought up Matthew Merrick. Then he moved on without mentioning Buechele. It was an obvious omission. Clearly, an intentional omission. The confusing looks he received from the podium had to be worse than the Major Applewhite vs. Chris Simms threads on Orangebloods.
Alas, Strong eventually gave fans what they wanted, which was more than the traditional chicken breast, mashed potatoes and string beans - offered by hotels at nearly every catered event - had for lunch at the JW Marriott.
“Buechele,” Strong said. “I call him Buechy [pronounced boo-she]. I was sitting at home one night. It was 10:30 at night. Buechy calls me and says, ‘Coach, what are you doing?’ I said it’s Friday night. It’s 10:30. There’s not much going on. I said I’m not a student anymore. I can’t hangout like you guys. I said what are you doing?
“He said, ‘I was just wondering if you could come over and open up the indoor facility for me?’ I said, ‘For what?’ He said, ‘Me and Collin [Johnson] want to throw. I said, ’10:30 at night on a Friday Night?’ He said, 'Yes.'"
Strong suggested they go into stadium and practice because the lights are usually on.
What was Buechele’s response?
“That’s where we are right now,” Strong said. “They turned the lights out.”
Think about that for a minute.
Buechele is a teenager in Austin. We all know adults who can easily find trouble in this city. How easy is it for a quarterback to receive red-carpet treatment at any off-campus party, nightclub, or activity he desires? This is his first time away from home. Nobody would even blame Buechele for enjoying the sights and sounds on 6th Street.
Instead, Buechele remains committed in his desire to become the starting quarterback at Texas. He already has the hardest work ethic of any quarterback in the room. Buechele is the guy who began organizing team workouts after Texas’ spring game. Strong once described Buechele as a gym rat (somebody needs to give him an all access badge to the facility), and this freshman is living up to the hype. Sure, he has not taken a hit in a college game, but you get the feeling Buecehele will know how to react when it occurs.
By the way, since Strong was unable to make it to campus, Buechele and Johnson worked out in the street.
“He has an unbelievable work ethic,” Strong said. “All he has done is make those guys around him better. He comes in and you just like his demeanor. You like everything about him.”
Longhorn fans love everything about Buechele.
Training camp begins in August, and it is hard to imagine a scenario where Buechele is not named the starter. Strong can – and will – say this is an open competition, but nobody is listening to that. Everyone believes the staff is simply saying what needs to be said in public to keep his other quarterbacks motivated. More importantly, he might be saying what needs to said to keep Buechele motivated. If Buechele is sacrificing his Friday nights because he wants to start on Saturday afternoons, it makes sense to keep him hungry.
Longhorn fans are over the Swoopes era. They were told how much of a difference a year would make prior to his start against Notre Dame last season. Then Longhorn fans realized Swoopes was not the improved player Shawn Watson – may his days as an offensive coordinator rest in peace – claimed his quarterback would be while shedding tears during a press conference. Longhorn fans are content to witness Swoopes run the ball in the 18-wheeler package, but that is about it.
Heard’s Cal game was historic, but his lack of progression last season was a glaring issue. The moment teams took away Heard’s running ability and challenged him to throw the ball, his weakness was exploited. Heard supporters believe he could excel in Sterlin Gilbert’s new offense, too, but there will need to be reports of him looking like a Heisman candidate in practice to convince Longhorn fans Buechele should not be the starter on opening day.
This is clearly a fact Strong realizes.
Texas fans want Buechele to lead their team.
Any quarterback other than Buechele this season is just a cruel tease.
Photo via Chron.com
Funniest Thing You Will See This Week
Sports On A Dime
1. If LeBron James does not understand Draymond Green’s job is to get under his skin, he left common sense – along with his chances of over winning another championship – back in Miami. I expect Golden State to close out this series on Monday. In addition, I expect James to receive criticism for his inability to lead a team without Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade to a championship.
2. Here is a great story about Jermichael Finley’s life after football transition in Aledo that appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. It is a long story, but worth the read:
3. Is anyone surprised Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib was involved in a shooting? This is the same guy who allegedly shot at his sister’s boyfriend during an incident in 2011. When I covered the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Talib nearly attacked a reporter before being restrained by his teammates in the locker room (no, it was not me). He is a very good football, but the guy still has issues.
4. This NFL player is allegedly upset about his contract offer. He wants more guaranteed money. The player appears to be mad at management. If the team does not cave, he may not play this season. Sound familiar? Yeah, Von Miller’s contract negotiation is going like most talks. As the season gets closer, a deal will get done, and everyone will sing Kum Ba Yah.
5. You know the NFL offseason of non-stories is in full swing when people are talking about Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski's lack of participation during the team’s mandatory minicamp. Gronk has a history of injuries, which means wasting him during the offseason makes very little sense. There are only two things that matter when it comes to Gronkowski: being ready on opening day, and will you finally convince yourself he is worth a second-round selection in your fantasy football draft.
6. The other offseason sign is reading positive stories about players who have not lived up to expectations. Dallas defensive coordinator Rob Marinelli said, “I think it’s his time” when asked about cornerback Morris Claiborne recently. We will see if it is Claiborne’s time to stay healthy and actually make plays (three interceptions in 40 regular season games) this season.
7. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is giving up the dab dance this season – thank God. You know a cool dance has become this year’s version of the “Macarena” when Hilary Clinton, spelling bee contestants and grandparents are doing it. Basically, the dab became Facebook.
8. It is sad to see there are people who still believe Art Briles is the victim in this Baylor scandal even after Dolores Lozano said the coach and his assistant (Jeff Lebby) knew about an alleged attack on her by former running back Devin Chafin. Yes, Briles was a great football coach. He is also a horrible person. These two things can coexist.
9. Am I the only one who thinks 2016 has been brutal when it comes to celebrity deaths? Hockey legend Gordie Howe and fighter Kimbo Slice were the latest sports stars to die. The funeral of Muhammad Ali was this past week. Some are getting over the loss of Prince. There was David Bowie, Chyna, Doris Roberts, Merle Haggard, Garry Shandling, Phife Dawg, Frank Sinatra Jr., Nancy Reagan, and several others I did not mention. This year has been brutal.
10. Skip Bayless’ final appearance on First Take is supposed to occur the day after the NBA Finals, which could be Tuesday. It will be interesting to see if First Take will remain successful without Bayless, and if he can attract viewers to FS1. Either way, Bayless will reportedly earn nearly $6 million a year at his new job. Basically, he is winning.
VACATION TIME
Just wanted to let everyone know I will be on vacation this week (going to check out Galveston Beach for the first time). There will not be a column next Sunday, but it will resume on June 26 before I leave for Morocco on July 4.
