Gilbert’s chances to play next season improve

By John Hillman  |   Monday, March 02, 2009  |  Comments( 3 )

Texas Longhorns
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Conventional thought penciled in a redshirt year for Garrett Gilbert in 2009. But recent developments indicate the highly touted quarterback could back up Colt McCoy next season.

The Gatorade National Football Player of the Year signed with Longhorns last month after throwing for 12,537 yards during his high school career at Lake Travis (Texas). At that time, most recruiting analysts believed his first year on the 40 Acres would entail no more than studying the UT playbook and holding a clipboard.

However, when the Horns opened spring drills last Friday, the coaching staff moved last year’s backup signal-caller, John Chiles, to receiver. Chiles, who completed 11-of-13 passes last season for 149 yards and two touchdowns, has already demonstrated the necessary skills to handle the transition.

In Saturday’s practice, the 215-pound speedster, who covers 40 yards in 4.4 seconds, caught two scoring passes and drew rousing applause from the fans in attendance. Strong northerly winds and 30-degree temperatures forced the Horns to move the offseason workouts to their indoor facility.

Because of Chiles’s speed, Mac Brown and offensive coordinator Greg Davis also plan to give the versatile athlete an opportunity at kick returner. The Longhorns struggled at this position last season, ranking only sixth in the Big XII.

Chiles could move into the role of third-and-long running back. Chris Ogbonnaya, who held the spot last year and snared 46 passes for 540 yards and three touchdowns, completed his eligibility.

None of Fozzy Whitaker, Vondrell McGee or Cody Johnson, UT’s top returnees, have demonstrated a past propensity for pass receiving. If Chiles doesn’t get the call, the task could fall to Tre’ Newton, the son of former Dallas Cowboy Nate Newton and a product of the pass-oriented offense at Southlake Carroll (Texas) High School.

However, the switch leaves Texas with little depth at quarterback behind McCoy. The Horns will employ Sherrod Harris and walk-on Trevor Walker as the second- and third-string signal-callers this spring.

That lineup will probably change almost as soon as Gilbert hits campus. Brown has already stated he remains undecided about his signee’s status for next fall.

Two quarterback commitments from the Class of 2010 could influence Brown’s ultimate decision. McCoy’s younger brother, Case, has announced he will ink with the Longhorns, and Houston Second Baptist’s Connor Wood picked Texas over Oklahoma and Stanford.

In theory, both prospects could redshirt in 2010 while Gilbert completes his sophomore season. And if Colt McCoy’s heir apparent opts for an early NFL career, both Case McCoy and Wood would battle for the starting role in 2012.
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About John Hillman

John Hillman graduated from Baylor University in 1974 with a BBA in accounting and earned an MBA from Baylor in 1987. He worked for accounting firms until 1982 when he became the chief financial officer for an independent insurance claims adjusting service, a position he still holds today....
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