3 Texas players that could benefit from Hudson Card starting

Jahleel Billingsley, TE

It goes without saying that the former Alabama standout tight end and rising senior Jahleel Billingsley just looked more comfortable and effective under Sark as the Crimson Tide offensive coordinator compared to Bill O’Brien last season. Billingsley was one of the most effective tight ends in the passing game in the SEC with Sark calling the plays in 2020.

But then, he regressed for much of last season with O’Brien calling the plays as Alabama’s offensive coordinator.

For that reason, it makes a lot of sense that Billingsley would have a smoother transition in his first year with the Texas offense with a starting quarterback that better understands the offensive playbook. That would likely benefit Card starting over Ewers early on this fall.

It also helps that Card is the most effective throwing between the numbers in the short and intermediate parts of the field. That is where Billingsley is likely to work most often in the passing game running his routes this coming season.

During his time at Alabama, more than 80 percent of Billingsley’s targets in the passing game came between five and 15 yards from the line of scrimage. And within that range, more than half of Billingsley’s targets came between the numbers.

Given Card’s comfort throwing to those parts of the field, it’s easy to see why Billingsley could benefit from him getting the starting nod over Ewers.

But the fact of the matter here is that Sark’s decision for the starting quarterback this fall is bigger than just what would benefit Billingsley early on more so than anyone else. Granted, this is still a factor to take into account for the Longhorns coaching staff this offseason.