Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger isn't afraid to take on defenders.

In fact, the freshman excelled at punishing tacklers, delivering several bruising shoulder blows and stiff-arms during Saturday's 40-34 win over Kansas State. One play particularly caught fans and teammates attention: a punishing blow run over a Wildcat defender and set up the game-winning touchdown in double overtime.

"When he broke out and ran over No. 20 the whole defense erupted," senior defensive end Naashon Hughes said. "When you see plays like that it gets us going ... that's dirty right there."

Junior linebacker Malik Jefferson was also wowed by Ehlinger's toughness taking on defenders.

"I'm so impressed by how he ducks his shoulder," Jefferson said. "He sees somebody in front of him and he acts like a running back. That's different. You don't get that from many quarterbacks."

Ehlinger said he doesn't like running people over — he'd rather avoid them and churn out more yards.

"I should've got in the endzone," Ehlinger said. "My job is not to run people over. [It's] to take what the defense gives me."

It's unclear if Ehlinger will start next week's game against No. 3 Oklahoma; Herman said he's "not thinking about" the position until watching film.

But if Ehlinger gets the chance, expect some more highlight-reel runs against the Sooners.