4-star Texas QB commit Sam Ehlinger set to return from knee injuries vs. Hays

After suffering a medial meniscus tear in his left knee and lateral meniscus tear in his right knee in Austin Westlake’s Week One win over powerhouse Katy, Texas Longhorns quarterback commit Sam Ehlinger will return to the field on Friday night against Hays after receiving clearance from his doctors, Westlake head coach Todd Dodge confirmed on Monday.

Ehlinger dressed for Westlake’s game against Vandegrift last week, but did not see action in the 17-10 win by the Chaparrals.

Based on some pre-game video of the future Longhorn, he certainly didn’t seem to have much hesitation in jumping around and putting pressure on his knees, which would seem to bode well for his return this week.

This news obviously comes as a tremendous relief to both Ehlinger, his team, and the the Longhorns awaiting his arrival as an early enrollee. With Ehlinger back in the mix, Westlake could once again become the state title threat many expected them to be prior to the season if the star quarterback is able to perform at a level near his pre-injury form.

It was initially unclear how long Ehlinger’s recovery time would ultimately take, with the time frame of six-to-eight weeks expected to sideline the senior gunslinger for the majority of his senior season.

Fortunately, Ehlinger returns after four games in which Westlake went 3-1, so Ehlinger will get his coveted opportunity to pursue for a state championship prior to arriving in Austin in January.