Entering the NFL draft, Quinn Ewers was expecting to be picked in the first round. However, the draft boards had different plans, and he fell to the seventh round. The former Longhorns star had few question marks; he was coming off an impressive college career.
During his time at Texas, Ewers recorded 9,128 passing yards and 68 passing touchdowns, including a career-high 31 last year. With Ewers under center, Texas was hard to beat. The Texas native finished college with a 21-4 record as a starter while leading the Longhorns to two playoff appearances.
While at times during the draft, Ewers questioned if he would go undrafted, he is happy with where he ended up.
"It was very unexpected, and I think that the toughest part about it is just the amount of unexpected occurrences there were," Ewers told ESPN's Todd Archer. But I'm glad that I ended up where I ended up. To go as late as I did, I'm glad it's a good spot."
Former Teammates give Ewers vote of confidence
Although Ewers was one of the most talked-about Longhorns, many of his former teammates were drafted, including Matthew Golden, who holds Ewers in high regard.
"His grit and determination. He's a leader on and off the field for us," said wide receiver Matthew Golden, who was selected No. 23 in Round 1 by the Green Bay Packers. "Whenever Quinn talks, we listen."
As Ewers prepares for the next step in his career, his leadership qualities will be key. He thrived in that area during college and didn't need much practice. His success was partly due to his confidence and preparation.
"With preparation comes confidence, right?" Ewers said. "I don't want to say I was overprepared, but I was prepared a lot. I think I did a really good job with the whole process and look forward to seeing how it ends up affecting everything that happens in the future."
Ewers ready to shatter expectations
For Ewers, the key going forward will be putting himself in a position to be successful. Regardless of his draft number, he joins a Dolphins team full of talent. That should bring out the best in his abilities whenever he steps on the field.
The opportunity to play in the NFL has always been his number one goal. That is one thing Ewers made clear to many in his family, including his mother Kristen.
"And Quinn's answer was always, 'I want to play in the NFL,'" she remarked earlier in the draft process. "I would say, 'OK, but what's your Plan B?' He'd say there isn't a Plan B. So getting to see him live that out is a joy. Truly."
Now that Ewers knows where he will be playing for the next few years, he is ready to make his mark.