From Top Prospect to Late Pick: The Journey of a Quarterback

The football world has seen many talented players, but few have had a journey as eventful as Quinn Ewers. He was once the top high school football player in the country, earning a perfect rating in a major recruiting metric. This made him the first player since 2016 to achieve such a feat. His decision to reclassify and play a year early was driven by the lure of significant NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) contracts, particularly with a kombucha company. This move was a game-changer, both literally and figuratively. Ewers' path took a dramatic turn when he left Texas, contributing to the downfall of coach Tom Herman. He then joined Ohio State, where he was part of an elite quarterback room. However, his time there was brief. He transferred to Texas, becoming Steve Sarkisian's protégé. His college career culminated in the 2025 NFL Draft, where he was picked in the seventh round, the 14th quarterback selected. This was a far cry from the expectations set for him as the top recruit. Injuries played a significant role in Ewers' journey. From high school to college, he struggled with various ailments, including shoulder and core issues. These injuries affected his performance and development, raising questions about his durability and consistency. Despite his struggles, Ewers showed resilience, always fighting back from setbacks. His toughness was often overlooked, but it was a crucial part of his story. One of the most intriguing aspects of Ewers' college career was the presence of Arch Manning, another top recruit with a famous last name. The competition and pressure were intense, but Sarkisian handled it well, making it clear that Ewers was the starting quarterback. However, the shadow of Manning's name was always present, adding an extra layer of complexity to Ewers' journey. Ewers' legacy at Texas is undeniable. He led the team to back-to-back national semifinals, a feat no other team achieved in those years. His statistics were impressive, with over 9, 000 passing yards and 68 touchdowns in three seasons. Despite his late draft pick, Ewers had a successful college career, leaving Texas as one of the top quarterbacks in the program's history. The decision to enter the NFL Draft was a significant one for Ewers. He potentially left millions on the table by not returning for another college season, but he chose to move on, seeking a chance to prove himself in the professional league. His journey serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by modern college quarterbacks. The rise and fall of stock, the pressure of expectations, and the impact of injuries are all part of the game. Ewers' story is one of resilience, determination, and the unpredictable nature of sports.