40 Acres Sports

Oklahoma dismisses WR recruit Josh Jarboe. Pressure from local media was finally enough for OU to act.

Breaking news coming in from Orangebloods at the Texas Gridiron Kickoff Luncheon: [tag]Greg Davis[/tag] had his appendix taken out two days ago while the coaches were having their annual retreat.

Let’s hope that’s where his love for the two-yard wide receiver hitch was stored. I kid, I kid. Davis himself found a little humor in the situation as well saying, “It was being around Will (Muschamp) in the spring (that caused the appendix to burst).”

Since he’s at the luncheon I assume he’s already doing well, but let’s hope he has an easy and speedy recovery.

Texas football practices have been closed to the public since a Jordan Shipley injury a few years ago but Longhorn fans will get a couple chances to see their team in person before the August 30th opener. The team will have two mid-week practices open to the public on August 6th and 7th, and will host a Fan Appreciation Day on Saturday, August 16th.

See the release from MackBrown-TexasFootball.com below:

Longhorns fans will have two opportunities to get a first-hand look at the Texas Football team and a chance to personally meet the squad as it prepares for its season opener versus Florida Atlantic on Aug. 30.

The two open practices will include the first full team practice on Wednesday, Aug. 6, and also the practice on Thursday, Aug. 7. Both sessions will start at approximately 6:45 p.m. at Frank Denius Fields (corner of 26th Street and Red River).

However, if practice is moved inside the Indoor Practice Facility (“The Bubble”) at any point, space limitations prevent the workout from remaining open. Fans are encouraged to park at the Manor Garage (PG 5) located on Dedman Drive across from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium for the open sessions.

The fan opportunities will also include the annual Fan Appreciation Day at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16. Following a closed scrimmage in The Bubble that morning, the Longhorns will be available to the fans for autographs and photos. More details will follow on the event, so check back soon to MackBrown-TexasFootball.com.

For those who have never attended a practice before keep in mind you are not attending something put on for the fans. It is definitely worth going and hardcore football fans shouldn’t miss it, but practices are of course held to make the team better and not to entertain you. If you keep that in mind you’ll have a great time seeing your favorite team up close.

While Brett Favre’s future team has most of the nation enthralled this week, former Longhorn quarterback [tag]Chris Simms[/tag] may also soon have a new home. He’s currently being held hostage in Tampa Bay but the Bucs appear to finally be open to finding Chris a new team. It sounds like if the team gets the right offer he could be on the move soon.

ESPN reported yesterday that the Dallas Cowboys have been interested in Simms for a while and inquired back in May about his availability. At the time the Bucs were asking for a 4th round pick in return but as the season has approached the asking price has come down and the Cowboys’ interest has renewed. Simms would be Tony Romo’s backup in Dallas if acquired. Current backup Brad Johnson is 40 years old and reportedly struggling mightily in training camp this week.

Dallas appears to be a good temporary destination for Chris, though he’d have better long term opportunities with some other interested teams including the Chicago Bears. Romo will be Dallas’ starter for the foreseeable future but Chris could compete for a starting job right away in Chicago. No matter where he ends up he’ll be better off then he is now, so hopefully a deal gets done soon.

Mack: No more sugar and spice for his Horns. UT coach plans to draw a harder, tougher line this season.

DJ Monroe impressive in THSCA All-Star game. Future Horn cornerback had 66-yard touchdown run and was game’s MVP.

Boston Red Sox are interested in Taylor Teagarden. I’ll be shocked if Rangers don’t trade one of their catchers by the deadline.

Shaun Rogers looks good in Browns camp. It’s all about motivation with him and he’s talking like he’s got it.

Position Rating: B
Starter: Colt McCoy
Reserves: John Chiles, Sherrod Harris

The quarterback position is one of the strongest in the Big 12 and despite throwing 18 interceptions last season Texas starting quarterback [tag]Colt McCoy[/tag] is in the top tier in the conference. With an improved offensive line and another season of experience under his belt the 2008 season should be a good one for McCoy. Simply cutting down on his turnovers will be huge but I’m expecting even bigger things this season.

Behind McCoy there are two huge question marks which bring down the position’s overall grade. The general consensus is that true sophomore [tag]John Chiles[/tag] is the number two with junior [tag]Sherrod Harris[/tag] slotted behind him. Chiles spent all of last season as the team’s backup quarterback but saw little time at the position and had few opportunities to use his arm. He didn’t throw the ball well in the Orange/White spring scrimmage possibly leaving the door open for Harris to take over as the primary backup.

One interesting scenario that could play out is that Chiles is 2a and Harris is 2b. Chiles might actually see more time on the field this season as a receiver and running quarterback in special packages, but if (God forbid) McCoy were to go down with an injury Harris would take over as the every down QB. Either way Texas fans should be rooting hard for a healthy season for McCoy.

Related Links

• Running backs preview
• Wide Receivers preview
• Tight ends preview
• Offensive line preview
• Defensive tackles preview
• Defensive ends preview
• Linebackers preview
• Cornerbacks preview
• Safeties preview

Casey Hampton placed on PUP list for being out of shape by Steelers. He won’t be allowed to practice in this camp until he drops weight