Kirby Lee- USA TODAY SPORTS
Given nothing changes between now and the beginning of spring practice in March, it looks like the Texas Longhorns could have a five-man race for the starting quarterback position during spring and fall practice — with David Ash having a small lead over the competition.
With the arrival of true freshman Tyrone Swoopes to campus, there could be a four-man race to be Ash’s backup — with Case McCoy still presumably in the mix as well as redshirt freshmen Jalen Overstreet and Connor Brewer being eligible.
It certainly appears that Brewer could be the odd man out. As we saw in Texas’ Alamo Bowl victory over the Oregon State Beavers, new Offensive Coordinator Major Applewhite intends on opening up the offense to allow mobile quarterbacks the opportunity to pick up yardage and affect the game on their feet as much as through the air.
David Ash fits this mold perfectly, as do Overstreet and Swoopes. Brewer… well, not so much. A stronger fit for Brewer would be in a more conventional, pro-style offense where he could be protected in the pocket and given the opportunity to read through progressions and throw without too much pressure.
Brewer is an adequate athlete but certainly not on the level of Overstreet — who was recruited as a dual-threat — or Swoopes, who has shown flashes of brilliance on his feet throughout his high school career and the recruiting combine circuit.
If we’re led to believe that McCoy is the front-runner to be Ash’s backup as a senior, then the only guys who could dethrone him will be those that can take Applewhite’s new offensive scheme and run with it– literally.
That guy is not Connor Brewer.
Don’t be all that surprised if he becomes the odd man out in spring practice and moves on from the Forty Acres to an opportunity that’s a better fit.
It certainly wouldn’t be the first time it has happened during Mack Brown‘s tenure.
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Kris Hughes is the College Football Network Manager for Rant Sports. You can follow Kris on Twitter, Google Plus and Facebook
