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Last season was one of the worst performances for the team at the QB position, culminating in the worst statistical offensive performance in the entirety of the FBS. Head coach Charlie Strong has come out and stated that there will be a quarterback competition heading into the 2015 spring practices, and it’s about time now that the Texas Longhorns haven’t had stellar quarterback play since Colt McCoy led them to the 2010 BCS National Championship Game.
Depth at the position is fairly thin, with last season’s starter Tyrone Swoopes, redshirt sophomore Jerrod Heard and incoming high school recruit Zach Gentry expected to be fighting for the starting job. Many believe Heard will win the competition, having spent the last season studying the playbook and observing from the sideline to learn about the team’s offense in more depth.
But three quarterbacks are not ideal, at least not for coach Strong. Strong has stated a desire to have at least four scholarship quarterbacks on the team, allowing for a wider competition and larger depth, considering the recurring injuries their previous starting quarterback David Ash sustained.
A number of quarterbacks who are currently on other teams are set to look for transfers, perhaps not playing as much as they expect or simply just not capable of pushing for the starting job at their current school. With the QB position so wide open for the Longhorns, it would make perfect sense for them to target one or two transfers in order to build depth and look to develop the team going forward.
Houston Cougars quarterback John O’Korn is looking to transfer, having dropped down the depth chart after inconsistent play this season. The AAC 2013 Rookie of the Year will have a number of teams interested due to his potential at the position.
Texas would make a logical destination for O’Korn, who is already playing in the same state and is playing in a pro-style offense. Texas mainly utilizes a pro-style offense and would be a good fit should O’Korn make his way to the 40-acres.
With Texas having recruited four-star receivers DeAndre McNeal and Gilbert Johnson, four-star TE Devonaire Clarington and four-star RB Tristian Houston, the team has a number of current and incoming pieces that can make the QB position a tempting one for any potential transfer.
The downside to having O’Korn transfer is that he wouldn’t be eligible to play in the 2015 season and the Longhorns wouldn’t get him on the field until 2016. A graduate transfer, like Braxton Miller, who would be eligible immediately, would be a more logical move for the Longhorns.
If they decide that O’Korn has enough potential then they could lock him up and develop him with the 2016 season in mind. This would allow them to see what they have with Heard and Gentry, and should O’Korn develop well, then the team may have a steal on their hands.
James Reeve is an NFL and NCAA Football writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter or “Like” him on Facebook.
