Austin, TX (SportsNetwork.com) – Texas quarterback David Ash’s career in
football is over after numerous bouts with concussions, according to Longhorns
head coach Charlie Strong.
Ash played the entire game under center in Texas’ season-opening win over
North Texas but began experiencing concussion-related symptoms following the
contest.
“I had a chance to talk to David Ash and he came by and we just decided
because of his health, which is always critical, he will no longer play
football,” Strong said during a press conference. “I told him I wanted him
around the team because that’s what he deserves. He should be a part of this
program and he will continue to be a part of this program.”
The junior was medically redshirted last season because of a concussion he
suffered in the Longhorns’ second game, a 40-21 loss to BYU.
Ash has started 22 games for Texas and owns a 15-7 career record under center.
The 22-year-old completed 19-of-34 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown while
also running for a score in the win against North Texas.
“Him being a quarterback, working with those guys, and just being a coach
there on the field,” Strong said of Ash’s new duties with the team. “Where we
go from here, we’ve been prepared with Tyrone (Swoopes), so Tyrone will be the
quarterback.”
Swoopes has completed 44-of-65 passes for 372 yards, three touchdowns and one
interception in starting for the Longhorns in back-to-back losses to BYU and
No. 12 UCLA.