Left guard Patrick Vahe has emerged as one of UT’s most important players.
AUSTIN — In Alan Moore’s acclaimed 1988 graphic novel, “The Killing Joke,” Batman’s greatest nemesis launched into a manic monologue about history and the treachery of the mind.
“Remembering’s dangerous,” the Joker warned. “I find the past such a worrying, anxious place.”
Texas offensive lineman Patrick Vahe might not be familiar with Moore’s work — after all, he wasn’t even a thought at the time of its publishing. But he might share similar views on the past.
As a true freshman in 2015, the four-star recruit began his career with 10 consecutive starts at right guard. Despite missing UT’s final two games with a knee injury, Vahe earned freshman All-America honors from a number of outlets.
As a sophomore, Vahe shifted to left guard. By that point, Connor Williams had emerged as one of the nation’s top left tackles. Together, they would form a formidable shield.
But late in the season, Williams’ partner somewhat mysteriously vanished from his side.
“Since it was last year I really don’t remember,” Vahe said.
Painful memories
Here’s the history he didn’t want to dive back into: On Oct. 22, UT lost 24-21 to Kansas State. A few days later, Vahe was removed from the first unit.
Jake McMillon and Elijah Rodriguez started the next three games at left guard. Injuries allowed Vahe to slide back into the starting spot for UT’s final two contests.
Typically warm and loquacious, Vahe has been reluctant to revisit 2016. In a rare moment, he allowed a glimpse into the struggles of last season.
“My mind’s been on the wrong path,” he said in March. “My effort really wasn’t there. IBut I’m on a different road right now.”
The road can veer at any moment, but for now, Vahe seems happier on the course he has set. His mind seems right. He’s slimmer, too — having trimmed about 15 pounds of fat. He surrendered sweets and started portioning his meals.
And while he probably won’t audition for “Dancing with the Stars,” his footwork has steadily improved under the tutelage of new offensive line coach Derek Warehime.
All that work, thousands of mental and physical reps, has paid off.
Boss takes notice
Coach Tom Herman named Vahe the offensive MVP of the first fall scrimmage.
“Pat has had a great summer,” Herman said. “He had a great spring too. He’s our starting left guard right now, and he’ll be tough to beat out.”
The Longhorns’ dynamic duo is once again a source of hope and pride. Williams and Vahe have taken ownership of their group, one Herman labeled the most “interdependent position in probably all of sport.”
Vahe’s “brother” could very well declare for the NFL draft following this season, meaning this could be their final ride together.
After what happened last year, it wasn’t a given Williams would look to his right and see Vahe. He’s proud of the way his fellow 2015 recruit battled back to reclaim that spot.
“I think he has a lot of resolve,” Williams said. “I think he’s got a whole new outlook. He’s always been one of the biggest personalities in the locker room. He always made sure there was music in the locker room, so it’s good to see him locked in and fired up.”