Texas Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2017

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AUSTIN, TX – SEPTEMBER 04: Shane Buechele #7 of the Texas Longhorns looks to pass the ball during the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 4, 2016 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Quarterback

Starting quarterback: Shane Buechele
Backup: Sam Ehlinger

Shane Buechele took over for Tyrone Swoopes as the starting quarterback in 2016 and never looked back. Not many expected a true freshman to lead the Longhorns successfully last season, but he did just that even though his defense couldn’t help out enough to get Texas to a postseason contest.

Although Texas’ passing attack was ranked just 50th in the country, he proved to be an effective starter for Charlie Strong. He took over the offense and looked like a veteran right away. He engineered an impressive win over then-ranked Notre Dame to open the season and that’s when everyone jumped on the bandwagon.

The freshman finished the season with 2,958 yards and 21 touchdowns with 11 interceptions and a 60 percent completion rate. He looked the part of a quality Big 12 starter and he’s back to lead the way for Herman in 2017 — although the Longhorns nearly added Notre Dame transfer Malik Zaire.

Next: College Football: Top 50 breakout candidates for 2017

Expect Buechele to have a huge season, especially with more experience returning at the receiver position. Touted incoming freshman Sam Ehlinger was the Longhorns’ highest-rated 2017 recruit and will be a valuable backup. He’ll be patiently awaiting his turn to start.

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