Texas Longhorns

Swoopes doesn't exactly exude confidence, and that's a problem

Published Sep. 8, 2015 2:55 p.m. ET

foxsports

Great quarterbacks make great leaders, and the jury certainly remains out on both counts when it comes to Texas Longhorns quarterback Tyrone Swoopes.

Tabbed to start the Longhorns' embarrassing season-opening loss at Notre Dame, and now potentially taking a backseat to backup Jerrod Heard against Rice on Saturday, Swoopes was asked if the Texas offense can right itself for the Owls.

"Yeah," Swoopes said softly.

Unfortunately for the Longhorns, Swoopes still doesn't appear to be a confident player, which makes it almost impossible for him to exude confidence to his teammates and coaches at a position that demands it.

While the entire Texas offensive staff must take blame in the nightmare at Notre Dame, Swoopes' first game of 2015 was just as horrific as his last two of 2014. He finished 7-of-22 for 93 yards and rushed 10 times for 17 yards.

Win or lose, Swoopes' nonchalant body language never really changes. Emotion doesn't seem to be his thing. He doesn't appear to be a rah-rah quarterback, but then also hasn't been able to simply lead by example.

When asked Monday if he deserves to keep the starting job, he didn't offer a reason why he should: "I feel that's up to them (coaches). They obviously see something in me they like."

After another poor outing Saturday, Horns fans are wondering what that must be.

(h/t Horns Digest)