Big 12 Football Star Watch: Garrett Gilbert

Remember in the 2009 National Championship Game between the Texas Longhorns and the Alabama Crimson Tide when Colt McCoy got injured? I do and I really wanted to turn the game off at that point, but I didn't. In came Garrett Gilbert, who had not played since week two and was asked to complete 3 quarters of a national championship game. Gilbert performed admirably by completing 16-40 passes for two touchdowns and four interceptions. Okay so they aren't great numbers but he almost led the Horns on a late comeback.

Fast forward to 2010. He is awarded the starting quarterback job in the Spring. He leads to the team to a 5-7 record.

Gilbert, your junior season is make or break for you. If he falters, he is in extreme danger of losing his job to Case McCoy, Colt's younger brother. I think he has a pretty good season though, the talent around him is simply too much.

Can Garrett Gilbert become the next Colt McCoy?

Remember when college football fans wondered how some babyfaced quarterback could replace Vince Young's dynasty at the University of Texas? The same question is being asked 4 years later, wondering how another young quarterback expects to replace a Texas legend (yes, Colt McCoy is already a Longhorn legend). The Texas Longhorns seem to have a pipeline with college quarterbacks, when one leaves another steps in and becomes a household name.

Freshman Garrett Gilbert is expected to be the starting quarterback this season for Texas. He was a phenom in high school, setting numerous Texas state records. Many fans remember him from the 2009-2010 BCS Championship Game when he replaced an injured Colt McCoy as a redshirt freshman. He threw 2 touchdown passes but struggled with 4 interceptions against a tough Alabama defense. The expectations will be high for Garrett Gilbert this season and Texas Longhorn football fans will expect another Vince Young and Colt McCoy to develop.