TEXAS — We know that football teams are separated right now, but they still need to find ways to stay together.

“I’m pretty confident in this team that we have a lot of self-starters,” says Texas’ Caden Sterns. “We do a pretty good job of holding each other accountable.”

Sterns is one of those upper classmen at Texas trying to keep them motivated. The junior safety thinks that isn't hard for a team that has a lot to prove coming off a disappointing 7-5 record during the 2019 regular season.

“There’s going to be a sense of urgency led by the players because we weren’t really satisfied the way we played,” says Sterns.

Sterns and probably most college football players across the country are anxious to get back on campus and start the season on time. However, there is no certainty that will happen. All he and the rest of the team can do is stay ready.

“We’re treating it as if I have a season, there’s no other way to go about it,” Sterns says. “Working every day to make sure when the season comes I’m at my peak level.”

Being in shape is one step to having college football come back. Their bigger issue is keeping players safe and Sterns understands the seriousness of that.

“The virus is easily spreadable, so there is some concern there,” Sterns says. “I trust the athletic directors and whoever is in charge that they will handle this situation the right way and that us athletes too will be safe.”

While all those decisions will be made in the coming weeks and months, Sterns is doing his part to help in the community right now. He teamed up with other football stars from San Antonio (Rashad Wisdom, Tre Flowers, Derek Kerstetter, Tommy Bush, Malcolm Brown) to help raise money for the San Antonio Food Bank. They have brought in close to $6,000 in donations.

“All the guys have been very helpful and it’s just about us trying to do the best we can for San Antonio,” says Sterns.