5 Best Players for Texas Football in First Half of 2016
By Tyler Brett
When anyone talks about Texas football, they talk about Shane Buechele. The true freshman has stepped into the starting lineup and proven himself capable of leading the Longhorns’ offense. And he’s only going to continue to get better.
Through six games, Buechele is completing 63.7 percent of his passes for 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns against five interceptions. He’s displayed some athleticism, too, rushing for 141 yards and a touchdown. He has proven to be a quick study in Gilbert’s up-tempo, spread offense, throwing the ball with confidence and accuracy to stretch the field vertically.
Compared to last season, Buechele has elevated this Texas passing attack to astronomical heights. In 2015, Texas managed just 1,751 yards during the entire season, completing 55.2 percent of their passes and throwing just nine touchdown passes. Buechele took what was a historically bad passing offense and made it a viable threat against opposing defenses.
As he matures, Buechele should only get better. He has moments where he shows his inexperience, reading a defense a half-second too slow or hesitating to pull the trigger on a tight throw. He will overcome those issues with time. Buechele is the truth and the long-awaited answer at quarterback for Texas.