Introduction to Matthew Caldwell
AUSTIN— Texas fans might know backup quarterback Matthew Caldwell as the guy who threw the game-winning touchdown on the last drive of the game after Arch Manning went into the medical tent against Mississippi State. Matty Ice. Matthew Cold-well. These are all names he has been called on social media after making the crucial pass. However, the team knows Caldwell as the calm and mature guy who encourages them from the sidelines. They know him as someone ready to step onto the field at any time, ready to take advantage of any given opportunity. And Caldwell may get his shot to start this Saturday against Vanderbilt.
Caldwell’s Experience and Practice
With Manning in concussion protocol, it was Caldwell who was running reps with the ones in practice on Monday. As head coach Steve Sarkisian emphasized in the media availability later that day, the practice went well with Caldwell at the helm because the team is already very familiar with the quarterback. Although Caldwell transferred from Troy this summer, he has quickly embraced the program and stepped on the field four times for the Longhorns. He completed six out of nine attempted passes in the three nonconference games at home, totaling 49 passing yards. The senior also got time on the field against Florida earlier in the season, stepping in for one play when Manning’s helmet came off late in the game. On the final drive of the game, Caldwell completed a pass for 26 yards.
Caldwell’s Engagement and Maturity
However, it’s not just his on-field experience that has helped the team feel comfortable with Caldwell. “He’s very engaged, even when he doesn’t play,” Sarkisian said. “If you ever watched our sidelines in-game, 18 is probably the most engaged player on that sideline.” When the offense comes out of a drive, Caldwell goes up to the receivers to let them know what he sees, whether it was a bad route or good. He brings “the juice,” according to running back Quintrevion Wisner. He rewatches plays on the iPad and thinks about what he would do differently.
“He’s always locked in. He’s right there, ready to go in if anything happens. He’s got his helmet on, (listening) to all the play calls through his helmet,” receiver Parker Livingstone said. “He’s like playing out like a mini game on the sideline, what he would do, what he would do differently, what reads he would go through.”
Team’s Confidence in Caldwell
Running back CJ Baxter echoed the statement, testifying that he got an even closer look at the sideline dynamics during the weeks when he was injured. “Matt is the most engaged person on the sideline during the game,” Baxter said. “He comes off the field, going up to the o-line, you would think he’s playing. I think that’s why every time he does get in the game, we don’t miss a blink, we don’t miss a step because he’s so engaged in the game.” While Manning has not yet been officially ruled out for Texas’ home game, the team is confident that Caldwell’s calmness and maturity will bode well against Vanderbilt.
Additional Information
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Matthew Caldwell is a talented and dedicated quarterback who has quickly become an integral part of the Texas Longhorns team. His calmness, maturity, and engagement have earned him the respect and confidence of his teammates and coaches. As he prepares to potentially start against Vanderbilt, the team is optimistic about his ability to lead them to victory.
FAQs
Q: Who is Matthew Caldwell? A: Matthew Caldwell is a backup quarterback for the Texas Longhorns.
Q: What is Caldwell’s experience with the Longhorns? A: Caldwell has stepped on the field four times for the Longhorns and completed six out of nine attempted passes in the three nonconference games at home.
Q: What are Caldwell’s strengths as a quarterback? A: Caldwell is known for his calmness, maturity, and engagement, which have earned him the respect and confidence of his teammates and coaches.
Q: Will Caldwell start against Vanderbilt? A: It is possible that Caldwell may start against Vanderbilt, depending on the status of Arch Manning’s concussion protocol.
Q: Where can I find more information about the Texas Longhorns and college sports? A: You can find more information about the Texas Longhorns and college sports from The Dallas Morning News.
