How Gunnar Helm went from Texas football understudy to star vs. Michigan at Big House

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — As Texas football opened its second drive Saturday at Michigan, tight end Gunnar Helm caught a deflected ball and gained 22 yards. Five plays later, he burst open over the middle of the field and hauled in a 21-yard touchdown pass to give the Longhorns a 7-0 lead.

By themselves, Helm’s two catches and 43 yards would have represented a good day at the office. Statistically speaking, those 43 yards were the second-most he’s every had in a game as a Longhorn, going back to the 2021 season.

But Helm wasn’t done. He went on to lead Texas with a career-high seven receptions and 98 receiving yards in the 31-12 win at Michigan Stadium.

“Gunnar Helm did a great job today again,” Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers said. “I think he got a little bit faster in the offseason. He’s always in the right spot today, it seemed like.”

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Texas tight end Gunnar Helm turns upfield for more yards after making a catch in the first half of Saturday’s 31-12 over Michigan. Helm had a career day against the Wolverines, leading the team with seven catches for 98 yards and a touchdown. “He’s always in the right spot today, it seemed like,” UT quarterback Quinn Ewers said.

After three years, Gunnar Helm was due

Saturday’s breakout performance was a long time coming for Helm, who signed alongside Ja’Tavion Sanders in Tom Herman’s final recruiting class at Texas. A Colorado native and three-star prospect, Helm picked Texas over Auburn, Iowa, UCLA and Wisconsin. He also turned down an offer from Alabama — which had Steve Sarkisian, now Texas’ head coach, and Jeff Banks, now UT’s tight ends coach, on its staff.

When Helm and Sanders arrived on campus, both had quiet starts during Sarkisian’s first season. They played as freshmen but mostly worked…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/gunnar-helm-went-texas-football-210654425.html

Author : Austin American-Statesman

Publish date : 2024-09-08 21:06:54

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