Players can squeeze motivation out of anything, regardless of whether it’s true or not. The harder the disrespect, the better the production, apparently.

“First of all,” Texas tight end Gunnar Helm said, “I think somebody predicted me to have nine receptions this year.”

Pity the fool who landed in Helm’s crosshairs this season. The Englewood, Colo., native is enjoying one of the best seasons a tight end has ever had at Texas.

Helm had a team-high six catches for 77 receiving yards and one touchdown against Clemson in the College Football Playoffs. With that performance, Helm broke UT season records for receptions and yardage by a tight end.

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After 14 games this season, Helm has 55 catches for 688 yards and six touchdowns. “Super cool feeling. Super blessed,” Helm said.

Helm’s best play against Clemson was hauling in a 19-yard touchdown catch in the back of the end zone. It’s the third time this season Helm has raced down the seam and caught a ball up high where only he could catch it. Quarterback Quinn Ewers put the ball on the money each time.

Helm is now tied for second on the season list of touchdown catches by a tight end. Helm is currently tied with Derek Lewis (1998).

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Funny thing is Helm said the touchdown plays against Michigan, Kentucky and Clemson were all three different play designs.

“Obviously I wouldn't be in this position without the O-line protecting Quinn,” Helm said. “Obviously without Quinn allowing me to make a great play. I think that our line of communication is constant, and we trust each other out there, and glad I made the play.”

Said Ewers, “I think me and Gunnar just have a great connection on and off the field, which I think the off-the-field (connection) helps the on-the-field. We've just got a great connection, and just always open, it seems like. So it makes my job a whole lot easier, for sure.”

Helm wanted to bounce back after a subpar performance against Georgia in the SEC championship. Few players are as open about mistakes as Helm. He dropped a pass against the Dawgs and then had to be used more for pass blocking with the inexperienced Trevor Goosby filling in at left tackle.

On Helm’s touchdown catch, Clemson’s defense gave Ewers a look he didn’t expect. Still, Ewers and Helm were able to get it done.

Helm said he had to sell the cornerback on a post route, and when that happens, the safety bit down and he went high.

“One of my main jobs in that look is to cross the safety's face,” Helm said. “If the look is not there for me to get the ball. When he pinned down, I tell Quinn all the time just to put the ball high and I'll do my best to go up and make a play, all 6-foot-5 of me.”

Ewers said it’s a testament to Helm that he wasn’t “being a robot and just running drawings.” Helm was out there playing football.

“It was cool to see for sure,” Ewers said.