The college football season is not here quite yet but today provided enough interest and action for Texas fans as head coach Mack Brown took the stage this morning on Day 2 of Big 12 Media Days in Dallas.  Mack rolled in with an entourage of Longhorn cheerleaders who he referred to as the group that would answer the “tough questions†he wasn’t able to answer from media members in the crowd. Like clockwork, as expected, he was immediately asked about the ever-evolving quarterback situation at the University of Texas. Specifically Coach Brown was asked how comfortable he was with David Ash going into the 2012 season.
Mack probably would have rather deferred to the cheerleaders on that one, but his response reiterated what we have heard from the coaching staff all spring through present day: that the quarterback situation is very much more than a one man show.  Legit? Who knows. From the Holiday Bowl last year to practice reports through the summer, all indications point to David Ash as the quarterback that is best poised and prepared to lead this team into the start of the 2012 season. While fans can fully expect the former Belton High School quarterback to be the starter on September 1st when Texas hosts Wyoming, be prepared to see McCoy thrown in the mix.
On Linebacker Jordan Hicks:
The defensive unit last year was led primarily by seniors Kheeston Randall, Keenan Robinson, Manny Acho and safety Blake Gideon. Mack discussed the need for Jordan Hicks as an older, more seasoned player to step up at the linebacker position and fill a leadership role on defense, alongside ends Alex Okafor and Jackson Jeffcoat.
On Defensive Back Carrington Byndom:
“Carrington will be one of the best defensive backs that we’ve had. He’s smart, he’s very competent… he’s played a lot as a freshman…†Mack had plenty of glowing comments about his junior cornerback and for good reason. Byndom played stellar defense last year in his first full year in the Texas secondary. Mack left the Byndom discussion by predicting that Byndom would be “one of the best defensive backs in the country this year.”
The resounding theme of Mack Brown’s time in front of reporters today was that the upcoming season will be a true team effort. The success of the football team will not rest on the shoulders of one player or one side of the ball. Even with the talented trio of horsepower in the offensive backfield, including newcomer and Gatorade High School Player of the Year Johnathan Gray, it is imperative that the quarterback, whoever he may be, make smart decisions and lead the offense with a chip on his shoulder. The defense must play with tenacity and everyone must find a way to contribute to the success of this football team.
Feel free to watch a video of today’s media day below, including Mack Brown’s entire Q&A session (which begins at approximately 1:49).
