Texas Longhorn quarterback Davey O’Brien’s Postseason Great 8 List includes Quinn Ewers.

As college football continues to evolve, the importance of elite quarterback play becomes ever more critical for teams vying for championships and national recognition. One of the most prestigious awards in college football is the Davey O’Brien Award, given annually to the nation’s top quarterback. This year, the Texas Longhorns’ very own Quinn Ewers has earned a spot on the Postseason Great 8 List, recognizing him as one of the eight best quarterbacks in the country. This is a significant accomplishment for Ewers and a testament to the strides he has made in his development at Texas.

In this article, we’ll dive into what it means for Ewers to be included in the Davey O’Brien Award’s Postseason Great 8 List, reflect on his journey through his college career, and examine how this recognition impacts the future of Texas Longhorns football.

What Is the Davey O’Brien Award and the Great 8 List?

The Davey O’Brien Award is named after the legendary quarterback Davey O’Brien, who played for TCU in the late 1930s and went on to become one of college football’s first true stars. The award was first presented in 1938 and has since become one of the most prestigious honors a quarterback can receive in college football. Each year, the award is presented to the best quarterback in the country based on their performances during the season, as well as their overall impact on their team and the sport.

The Great 8 List is a selection of eight quarterbacks chosen by the Davey O’Brien Award committee based on their individual performances throughout the season. These quarterbacks are considered the top contenders for the award and are named finalists for the prestigious honor.

For quarterbacks, being named to the Postseason Great 8 List is a major recognition. It signifies that they are among the best in the nation and have consistently performed at an elite level. While the final winner of the Davey O’Brien Award is chosen from this group, the inclusion on the Great 8 List is a clear sign of recognition for an exceptional season.

In 2023, Quinn Ewers made the list, which speaks volumes about his improvement as a quarterback and his impact on the Texas Longhorns’ resurgence under head coach Steve Sarkisian. Ewers’ performance on the field helped elevate the Longhorns and turned them into a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12 and beyond.

Quinn Ewers’ Journey to the Davey O’Brien Postseason Great 8

Quinn Ewers’ journey to becoming one of the top quarterbacks in college football has been anything but conventional. Coming out of high school, Ewers was one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in recent memory. The Southlake, Texas, native was ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2022 recruiting class, and it was clear from the start that he had the potential to be a star at the next level.

Ewers initially committed to Ohio State, where he spent his freshman year backing up starting quarterback C.J. Stroud. While at Ohio State, Ewers had a limited role but still impressed with his arm talent, decision-making, and natural ability. After one season with the Buckeyes, Ewers made the decision to transfer to Texas, where he was reunited with his home-state program and head coach Steve Sarkisian.

The move to Texas was a major turning point in Ewers’ career. Sarkisian, known for his ability to develop quarterbacks, saw immense potential in Ewers and worked with him to refine his skills and improve his understanding of the game. The 2023 season marked Ewers’ first year as the full-time starting quarterback for the Longhorns, and he quickly proved that he was ready to take on the mantle.

Despite a few growing pains early in the season, Ewers showed significant improvement as the year progressed. His mechanics became more fluid, his decision-making more sound, and his leadership abilities were on full display. He showcased a big arm, capable of making every throw in the book, from deep bombs to quick, precise throws over the middle. Ewers also displayed an impressive ability to read defenses and make adjustments on the fly, helping Texas remain competitive in the Big 12.

The Texas Longhorns’ Resurgence Under Quinn Ewers

Quinn Ewers’ inclusion on the Postseason Great 8 List is a reflection not only of his individual success but also of the resurgence of Texas Longhorns football as a whole. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, Texas has experienced a notable improvement in its overall performance, and much of that success can be attributed to the strong play of Ewers at quarterback.

In the 2023 season, Ewers helped guide the Longhorns to an impressive season that included several notable victories, including a dramatic win over rival Oklahoma and a thrilling victory over Kansas State. His performances in big moments showed his ability to lead the team, even when faced with tough situations.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Ewers’ game is his ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. In key moments, he’s been able to deliver clutch throws and make decisions that give his team the best chance to win. His poise has been a major asset for Texas, allowing them to maintain a competitive edge throughout the season.

Additionally, Ewers’ success as a leader has been crucial for Texas. His leadership on and off the field has been instrumental in helping bring a sense of stability and confidence to the team. The Longhorns have been able to develop a strong offensive identity under Ewers, with a well-balanced attack that features a solid running game and explosive plays in the passing game.

Ewers’ Strengths and Contributions to Texas

As a quarterback, Quinn Ewers brings several unique strengths to the table that have made him a standout in college football this season. Below are some of the key aspects of Ewers’ game that have contributed to his success and earned him a spot on the Davey O’Brien’s Postseason Great 8 List:

1. Arm Strength and Accuracy

Ewers is known for having one of the strongest arms in college football. He is capable of throwing the ball deep with precision, hitting receivers in stride on deep routes. Whether it’s a 60-yard bomb down the sideline or a perfectly placed fade into the end zone, Ewers has the arm strength to make every throw required in a modern offense.

His deep ball accuracy has been a key element of Texas’ offense, as it forces opposing defenses to respect the entire field. Ewers has been particularly effective in setting up big plays down the field, making him a dangerous weapon in both short and long-range passing situations.

2. Decision Making and Poise

One of the most impressive aspects of Ewers’ development has been his improved decision-making. Early in his career, he sometimes struggled with making the best choices under pressure, but throughout the season, Ewers has become much more reliable. He has demonstrated a mature approach to handling defensive pressure and finding the right read, making him less prone to turnovers.

Ewers’ poise in the pocket has also been a critical factor in his growth. Even in difficult situations, he remains calm and able to execute the offense, which has helped the Longhorns perform consistently in high-stress games.

3. Leadership and Work Ethic

As a quarterback, Ewers has embraced the role of leader on and off the field. He holds his teammates accountable and leads by example. His work ethic and commitment to improving every day have been evident throughout the season, and it’s clear that his leadership has been a major influence on the team’s overall success.

Impact on Texas Longhorns’ Future

Quinn Ewers’ inclusion in the Davey O’Brien Award’s Postseason Great 8 List not only cements his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the country but also sets the stage for a bright future for Texas Longhorns football. With Ewers at the helm, Texas has a legitimate shot at competing for a Big 12 Championship and potentially making a run in the College Football Playoff.

As a young quarterback, Ewers still has room to grow, but his potential is undeniable. With the continued guidance of Steve Sarkisian and the Texas coaching staff, Ewers can continue to develop into one of the premier quarterbacks in college football. His strong arm, accuracy, poise, and leadership skills make him a player that Texas can build around for years to come.

Additionally, Ewers’ success has the potential to attract even more top-tier recruits to Texas. The Longhorns’ quarterback play has been inconsistent in recent years, but with Ewers now firmly at the helm, Texas has the chance to establish itself as one of the top programs in the country. Ewers’ recognition on the Great 8 List serves as a beacon for future recruits, who will see the potential of Texas as a destination for developing into elite football players.