Without a doubt, one of the breakout teams this season in NCAAF is the Texas Longhorns. Led by Quinn Ewers, the team remains undefeated, largely thanks to their impressive performances in each game. One of their standout players, tight end Gunnar Helm, spoke about what it means for the team to play in the SEC every weekend.
One of the key players in Steve Sarkisian’s roster is undoubtedly the tight end, who has built strong connections with both Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning during his time on the field. When asked by the media about what it means for the Longhorns to play in the SEC, Helm was direct in his response.
“That’s just not the league we play in,” Helm said. “I think we understood that going into this year. And I think (Chris Del Conte) understood that when we chose to go to this conference. We want to play the best. We want to play at the top level and that’s what we get in the SEC every week.”
In their first two SEC outings, the Longhorns secured two significant victories. The first was against Mississippi State, winning 35-13, and last weekend, Ewers and company dominated Oklahoma with a score of 34-3.
“Every week you can’t focus on what’s ahead or behind you. You got to be where your feet are and really focus on the game plan for each week,” Gunnar Helm finally stated.
The Longhorns and a huge loss
The strong performance of the Longhorns this season was overshadowed over the weekend in the matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners, as safety Derek Williams Jr. is set to undergo surgery after suffering a season-ending injury.
Regarding this situation, some of his defensive teammates expressed their thoughts, acknowledging how challenging it will be to replace a player of his caliber, but remaining confident that his recovery will be successful.
“I talked to him. Head up, and we’re all praying for him. We know he’s going to come back better. He’s a soldier,” Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron stated.
“He’s going to have a great career. His job is not done this year. He was one of the first in the in the building this morning. And man, how amazing is that. That shows his character right there. And so he’s still going to be there, he’s going to be Coach Williams, and he’s going to have a vital role on this team, but prayers go out to him. I’m so saddened to hear that news. He’s one of the guys. He’s truly my brother, and definitely playing for him,” safety Michael Taaffe said.