As Texas approaches Year 3 of the Tom Herman era, junior quarterback Sam Ehlinger continues to reel in preseason honors. One day after being named to the Maxwell Award watch list, Ehlinger was named to the Davey O'Brien Award watch list, which is given annually to the best quarterback in college football.

The Longhorns have added three Davey O'Brien Awards to their trophy case over the years with former legends Earl Campbell, Vince Young and Colt McCoy taking home the honor during their time on the Forty Acres. (The award was originally given to the most outstanding player in the southwest, which is why Campbell is among the award winners.)

Ehlinger's recognition comes following a sophomore campaign that saw the quarterback post some of the best numbers at the position, even better than the numbers Texas legendary quarterbacks Young and McCoy posted through their respective sophomore seasons.

Many Texas fans and critics were unsure of the potential Ehlinger could have after an up and down true freshman season in 2017. Ehlinger showed glimpses of potential solid play in a handful of the seven games he started during his true freshman year, but the mistakes Ehlinger made in 2017 were memorable enough that it would often take over any positive moments he may have shown.

One of the most glaring issues from his freshman year reared its head in the Week 1 season opener when Texas traveled to the East Coast to open the 2018 season at Maryland. Ehlinger posted a solid performance for the vast majority of the 2018 season opener, but with only minutes left and the game on the line, the quarterback made costly turnovers and handed the win over to the Terrapins.

While some outspoken fans were calling for Ehlinger to be replaced by former quarterback Shane Buechele, head coach Tom Herman and offensive coordinator Tim Beck stuck with their guns and went with Ehlinger as their starter.

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After throwing two interceptions in the final minutes against Maryland, Ehlinger followed up the embarrassing Week 1 loss with a 10-game streak where the quarterback did not toss a single interception. Ehlinger finished his sophomore year having completed 275 of 425 passing attempts for 3,292 yards and 25 touchdowns with only five interceptions.

Herman and Beck's decision to remain with Ehlinger proved to be a wise one, and the junior has only improved both on and off the field since he wrapped up the 2018 season.

"Sam has grown," Herman said of his quarterback. "I think you saw him last year really focused on himself where this year he's focusing on everybody. It's kind of a whole 'people in glass houses' kind of deal, and you have to get your house in order before you start talking to other people. I think he's confident that his guys believe in his ability to play, and now he can take the next step as a leader, which is mentoring some other guys."

Texas fans will have the first opportunity to see how much progress Ehlinger has made throughout the offseason come August 31 when Texas hosts Louisiana Tech for the 2019 season opener.