Texas Football: 5 players to watch in summer workouts

3. Casey Thompson, Quarterback

The quarterback position is going to be one of the biggest question marks for the Longhorns heading into next offseason. Once the eligibility of to-be senior star signal caller Sam Ehlinger runs out, Herman and recently hired offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich will have a really important decision to make about where to look next.

An obvious answer to be the next starting quarterback on the Forty Acres heading into the 2021 season could be giving the job to now rising redshirt sophomore dual-threat Casey Thompson. The former four-star recruit did at least get some level of playing time last season, which could come in handy whenever his number is called in a more important spot.

Thompson played in bits and pieces of four games last season. He registered 22 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground. Thompson added 84 passing yards, no touchdowns through the air, and no picks, last season. He was 8-of-12 on his passing attempts. That’s not a bad mark, but Thompson still doesn’t have much meaningful game action.

All in all, Thompson could be the favorite to be the next Texas starting quarterback once Ehlinger’s time in this role is over. If injury troubles persist for Ehlinger (which they often do), then it will be crucial for Thompson to be ready no matter what. That’s what former Texas backup signal caller Shane Buechele was able to do when he was called up back during the 2018, when Ehlinger was originally injured in an eventual win over the Baylor Bears.