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Texas set to go with Ehlinger at QB

Lindyssports.com Staff

August 20, 2018 at 1:23 pm.

Nov 24, 2017; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger (11) throws an incomplete pass during the second quarter against against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Photo Credit: John Gutierrez-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 24, 2017; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger (11) throws an incomplete pass during the second quarter against against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Photo Credit: John Gutierrez-USA TODAY Sports

Texas Longhorns sophomore Sam Ehlinger took the bulk of first-team reps at practice Monday and is in line to start the team’s season opener, coach Tom Herman said.

Ehlinger and junior Shane Buechele battled through spring practice and fall camp.

Ehlinger started six games and played in nine as a true freshman last season, when he led the team in passing (1,915 yards) and rushing (385). Buechele, who started 12 games as a true freshman in 2016, started seven times last season while battling injuries.

Ehlinger told reporters last week about his comfort level in his second season.

“I think, year two, you understand who you are and what you’re trying to do offensively,” Ehlinger said. “So at that point, you can be a quarterback and attack the defense and understand where you’re trying to hurt them and what hurts defenses instead of just trying to figure yourself out.”

Ehlinger brought energy to the Texas offense last season as a dual threat, completing 158 of 275 passes (57.5 percent), with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Buechele was a bit more accurate, completing 137 of 213 passes (64.3 percent) for 1,405 yards, with seven TDs and four interceptions. He is not a running threat like Ehlinger, however.

Texas, coming off a 7-6 season in Herman’s first season as the Longhorns head coach, opens its season Sept. 1 at Maryland. Texas was ranked 23rd in the preseason AP poll, released Monday.

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