Gunnar Helm, TE
Senior tight end Gunnar Helm has been a reliable go-to receiver and playmaker for quarterback Quinn Ewers this season in the receiver corps. Helm not only makes consistent and high-effort plays for Texas in the receiving game, but he is also a reliable and crucial run blocker for the Longhorns' offense.
"He's a really good play-action pass tight end, where we can find voids for him, but he also has evolved his game now into a downfield threat and a guy who can make plays with the ball his hands with yards after the catch."Steve Sarkisian on Gunnar Helm
Helm has only two drops this season (second lowest among eligible receivers on the team) and has the fewest blown blocks as an eligible run blocker of any starting tight end in the SEC (per SIS Data Hub).
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham recognizes the integral role Helm plays in Texas's offense under Longhorns' head coach Steve Sarkisian.
"They do a good job getting him open the middle of the field with the play-action and screen game and then they used the width of the field so well that the middle of the field opens up for his game."Kenny Dillingham on Gunnar Helm
Helm scored the eventual game-winning touchdown on a 19-yard pass from Ewers to counter a Clemson score right before halftime in the second quarter. He held up on a few snaps in pass pro against Clemson and was one of the team's highest-graded run-blocking receivers/tight ends.
Junior wide receiver Matthew Golden and Helm have emerged as Texas's two most reliable receivers, combining for over 125 targets and 100 receptions.