A Quick Look at the Texas Longhorn's 2010 Offense

The Longhorns are going to have a different look this coming season, especially at the quarterback position, now that former starter Colt McCoy has headed to the NFL. The 'Horns will also be missing wide receiver Jordan Shipley and offensive tackle Adam Ulatoski along with guard Charlie Tanner and center Chris Hall. Is this offense going to be able to overcome these losses?

Garrett Gilbert showed us in the BCS Title Game that he has a lot of potential and with some work as the starting quarterback (during the offseason and practices leading up to the regular season) he could end up being a strong starter in the future. He’s got a lot of potential and with this offense, he has a lot of options. Look for him to be hot right out of the gate for the 'Horns.

At running back, the Longhorns have Tre Newton and Cody Johnson there to carry the ball. Newton showed a lot promise last season and should get many more opportunities to perform this season. Johnson should also see his share of carries but Newton will be the feature back and be used as a receiver out of the backfield as well.

At the wide receiver position, the Longhorns are counting on junior Malcolm Williams, senior John Chiles, and senior James Kirkendoll to help Gilbert out in the passing game.  Kirkendoll shows the most promise out of this group and could be putting on a show for NFL teams that might have some interest in drafting him sometime down the road.  Chiles has done well and Williams could also have a breakout season.

The tight end position will be manned by senior Greg Smith there to back him up. The Longhorns should get some use out of the tight end position this season and should see it as a way to give Gilbert another safety valve to throw the ball to when he is in trouble. Look for them to see a solid number of balls thrown their way this season.

Offensive guard Michael Huey, a senior, and offensive tackle Kyle Hix, another senior, return as the only starters from last year’s squad. The Longhorns have a bevy of talent to replace those that have departed so look for them to be solid on the offensive line once again this season.

Texas, like a lot of other teams in the Big 12 or college football overall for that matter, have their work cut out for them this season on offense but are still in better shape than a majority of the other Big 12 teams. This team should be able to put things together quickly and field a team that has BCS Title potential in 2010. Stay tuned!