40 Acres Sports

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

The A-11; Wave Of The Future, Or Satan’s Offense? Cool gimmick. Two quarterbacks, every player could be an eligible receiver.

Former Longhorn and US Army All-American [tag]Jerrell Wilkerson[/tag] will attend the University of the Incarnate Word on a football scholarship. The Division II school in Wilkerson’s hometown of San Antonio will not begin it’s first football season until 2009 but he will be practicing with the team and attending school starting this fall. He’ll be the biggest name on the team.

Wilkerson was a running back/wide receiver recruit that excited Texas fans because of his speed, shiftiness, and electric highlight videos. Fans couldn’t wait to see what the undersized back could do with a football in his hands for the Horns. He is San Antonio’s all-time leading rusher with 7,249 rushing yards and 110 touchdowns at Clark High School.

At Texas Wilkerson was redshirting during his freshman season but left school and the team abruptly just weeks before the national championship game. He left the team not over playing time but in order to take care of his responsibilities as a man. He was forced to return home to San Antonio to work to support his newborn son financially.

Jerrell had things in his life he had to get in order. Now after three years away from the field he’s getting a second chance at football and an education. I hope he enjoys the opportunity he’s getting to play football but if he uses it to get a college degree he’s going to be a better man for it. We’ll be keeping an eye out for him and rooting for him both on and off the field. Good luck.

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Royal Ivey signs three-year deal with 76ers. After his best season in the NBA gets a good contract with lots of guaranteed money.

Longhorns are looking up from under the radar. Let’s hope the team plays this season with a chip on it’s shoulder.

Horns basketball will get three Big Monday telecasts. Texas will make 11 national TV appearances in 2008-09 season.

2008 Pre-Season Power Ranking from WhatIfSports. Texas falls in at number 11 behind OU and Mizzou.

Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman is scared of VCR’s. Good coach but I’m not sure he’ll ever recruit well.