A New Quarterback and a New O-Line for Texas

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Created on Sunday, 04 July 2010 02:00

Last Updated on Thursday, 16 May 2013 07:51

Written by Travis Pulver

The nation got a preview of what new quarterback Garrett Gilbert can do when he took over for McCoy in the BCS Title game last season against Alabama. His numbers were not staggering in that game (15-40, 186 yards, 2 touchdowns, 4 interceptions), but he showed enough potential to make fans rest easy about the future of the team. Gilbert will have to get the job done for the Texas Longhorns in 2010 with a few new faces helping him out, especially among the offensive line.

Gone will be Colt McCoy’s protectors on the left side of the line, tackle Adam Ulatoski and guard Charlie Tanner, along with center Chris Hall. Replacing the three fifth year seniors will be a challenge for head coach Mack Brown and offensive coordinator Greg Davis.

The team has already decided that they want their most experienced lineman watching their new quarterback’s back and have moved seniors Michael Huey and Kyle Hix over to the weak side from the right side of the line. Who will play on the right side and at center remains to be seen.

At center the team plans on giving junior David Snow a chance to win the position. The 6’4” 295 pound Snow from Gilmer, Texas, played center as a freshman and got time last year playing guard. His play at guard was not deemed to be the best, but the team is confident he will do just fine back at center. Freshman Mason Walters is likely to see a lot of time at right guard. Walters is a versatile player that can line up anywhere on the line; in high school he used his incredible size and speed to line up at center. Standing 6’6” and weighing 305 pounds, Walters is considered to be one of the more physical linemen that the Longhorns have. The only thing holding him back will be his lack of experience on the college level.

Also expected to see time on the line are seniors Britt Mitchell and Tray Allen, freshman Thomas Ashcraft and sophomore Luke Poehlmann. At 6’5” and 300 pounds, Mitchell has been said to have the biggest mean streak of any offensive lineman on the roster to go with excellent foot work.

The new offensive line will look to line up against their first opponent, Rice, in Houston at Reliant Stadium on September 4th.