The Dallas Morning News
For tougher questions, well, that's why they had a set of encyclopedias in the house.
Keith and Debbie Ulatoski made certain their son understood the value of self-reliance, something the former Southlake Carroll standout has continued to practice as a three-year offensive line starter at Texas.
Ulatoski said his folks "always encouraged me to do things for myself ... if you want something done, you can't rely on other people."
As Texas' starting left tackle, Ulatoski has embraced the job of protecting quarterback Colt McCoy's blind side, which on Thursday means keeping A&M's Von Miller from adding to his national-leading sack total.
Playing a hybrid linebacker/defensive end spot, Miller has recorded 15.5 sacks. Although he's been blanked in his last two games, Miller has recorded multiple sacks in five games this season.
"I've got a good challenge ahead of me," Ulatoski said.
On film, he's already seen that Miller possesses a great burst off the ball, and a strong inside move as well.
"I think it will be a good matchup," Texas offensive coordinator Greg Davis said. "Adam is a guy who's seen a lot and played through an unbelievable amount of injuries. He's very intelligent."
Ulatoski has claimed a niche as the Longhorns' "old man," born six days before program fixture Jordan Shipley.
He was part of the 2004 signing group although he didn't see the field until 2006.
A back injury suffered during a weightlifting session following his senior season at Carroll nearly ended his college career before it had begun.
An audible pop told Ulatoski that something had gone horribly wrong. He had ruptured three discs.
Only a second opinion saved him from being a footnote in the recruiting class.
The first doctor that Ulatoski saw recommended surgery.
The second physician specialized in athletic injuries.
"He was like, 'You can get surgery, but you won't be playing football if you do," Ulatoski said.
Epidural treatment and core strengthening allowed Ulatoski to return to the field.
As his 41-start career has ticked down to three games total, teammates and coaches say they're seeing a different side. Recently, Ulatoski has become more vocal, displaying more of a take-charge attitude.
"He has become as good a leader as we've ever had up front," coach Mack Brown said. "He was after those kids last week. I've been really pleased. He's always been tough, but he's never been emotional."
Brown thinks Ulatoski will be ready for Miller.
"He may miss him some, but he's going to fight him," Brown said.
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