While I realize that many may disagree, I stand by my assessment of the Rising situation.
At this time last year, who could have predicted the extraordinary evolution of Sam Ehlinger? Probably not even TH or Tim Beck.
So now, in January of 2019, who can predict how the 2019 season will play out, and whether or not Rising (or another # 2 QB) will or won’t have an opportunity at an important role during the season? No one can.
Further, who can predict how 2020 plays out, and whether or not SE is still on the team. Sure, while it’s unlikely that he leaves for the NFL, again, at this time last year, not one of us thought that Sam Ehlinger would become the star that he became during the 2018 season.
I refer to character because there are few if any guarantees with respect to the QB position out there. A possible exception might be a very well established QB, perhaps like Jalen Hurts, who has already had considerable on-field experience. In a transfer situation Hurts might be given a qualified guarantee by the new coach. Rising hasn’t even seen the field yet. Should he have, last year? If so, when?
So unless TH guaranteed Rising, as a recruit, a shot at “starting” by the 2020 — and by the way, that could still happen — there was no way to handicap what was going to happen. And think about this: When Rising signed, “he was aware” that there would be at least three players competing for the starting job... in 2020. Three! (I am excluding SB in this calculation because no one expected him to redshirt this year.)
So yes, if he transfers, he “might” have a better shot at starting elsewhere in 2020. But again, who can predict the future?
There is every reason to believe that Texas will be in the national conversation in 2020, and 2021. (And 2019 for that matter.) That would mean that the QB of the team would get a high level of exposure that might not be available at a school like Utah. It also means that the level of talent surrounding the QB here in 2021 (or sooner) will almost certainly be better than would be the case at Utah.
I just think that Rising is being somewhat shortsighted and unrealistic.
Last edited: Jan 16, 2019