Texas Football: Top 15 all-time Longhorns quarterbacks
Top All-Time Texas Football Quarterbacks – Number 8: Marty Akins (1972-75)
Career stats: 1,224 passing yards, 7 TDs, 9 INTs, 48.3 completion %, 108.3 passer rating, 1,963 rushing yards, 26 rushing TDs
Following Phillips and Lowry in a line of exciting option quarterbacks for Texas, Marty Akins certainly took the cake when it came to running the offense to perfection. The passing numbers seem pedestrian, but the rushing totals were a thing of beauty in the 1970s.
From early on during his playing days in Austin, Akins was the star of the show. Even while playing alongside eventual Heisman winner Earl Campbell, the Texas native lit it up in a variety of ways. Whether he was busting a big play on the ground or setting off fireworks as a returner, there seemed to be nothing Akins couldn’t do well.
It all culminated in a spectacular 1975 season for Akins. He led the Longhorns to a 10-2 finish, earned numerous honors for his efforts and received constant praise from teammates and coaches. It was a superb showing that landed him in the ranks of the All-Americans when all was said and done.
During his time as the starter, Akins led the Longhorns to a 27-9 record and three conference titles. His versatility, effectiveness in the wishbone and outstanding showing during his final year all make this a well-warranted spot on the list.