At this time last year, it was a toss up on who would be the next Texas quarterback.
Now, things are a bit different for Colt McCoy.
"I thought Colt looked as good as I've seen him, he's just stronger, and he's even more accurate if that's possible," Texas coach Mack Brown said after the Orange-White scrimmage. "Colt is the starter, period. He's done great."
But this doesn't mean there's no longer any competition taking place at quarterback for the Longhorns.
For both Sherrod Harris and John Chiles, they see themselves in a position similar to that of the one McCoy was in last season. The player who earns second-string duties will be more of a factor next season than most people expect.
"So we don't have a situation come back up like Kansas State, we do need one of the other guys to get some plays that are quality plays in the games next year," Brown said. "What we would like to do is get them separated and get one to play in every game and help Colt."
And the two freshmen - Harris red-shirted last season, and Chiles enrolled early in January - proved in Saturday's scrimmage that they both have enough skills to supplement McCoy next season.
Both Harris and Chiles excited Texas fans with their scrambles and designed runs and also showed that their passing is developing and becoming more consistent as well.
Chiles displayed some of his shifty moves late in the scrimmage during a 28-yard touchdown run in which he made two Reggie Bush-like cuts.
Harris responded on the offense's next drive with a nice run of his own, breaking loose for an untouched, 75-yard touchdown. Harris broke through on the right side and streaked down the field, pulling away from the Texas defense.
"They are both fast, and those guys have worked really hard and are starting to come along really well in the passing game," McCoy said of the two. "We all know they can both run, and they are both going to play next season in games, no matter who the second team quarterback is. We have to have them both on the field."
Regardless of what happens, both Chiles and Harris will see plenty of action next year for the Longhorns.
"We will go on into August, before we really see what happens," Texas offensive coordinator Greg Davis said.
Be the first to comment on this article!