2010 Class Picks Numbers

Some will probably want to rake me over the coals for this

but in my opinion, Colt wasn’t even the best player to wear #12 last year.

Had he ended up with a Heisman (yes, this is one of the dumber awards given out but it’s stature remains) and/or added a national championship to his Maxwell award then I would say it gets retired. If he gets his # retired though, at the pace we’re going lately (approx 2 players/decade) with this, guys are gonna be wearing #‘s in the 100’s in 100 years. I say reserve it for the truly transcendant, not the really really really good.

by andmyster on Jul 23, 2010 11:03 PM CDT reply actions

i know what you mean when you say you think jerseys should only be retired by the all time greats and not just the really really really good players, and i know colt didnt win a heisman or bring back a national championship trophy, but being the alltime leader in wins in history has to be worth something. even if it did help that he started 4 years for Texas, who in the last decade has been good every year

by tim11ut on Jul 24, 2010 1:22 AM CDT up reply actions

There are few things in sports I detest more than the retiring of jerseys

I strongly would prefer that if we want to honor a player like Earl Campbell, then our best running back should simply always wear the number 20. It would be considered a tremendous honor/responsibility for the player who puts on that jersey, a continuation of a tradition that transcends individual players. Alabama’s starting QB almost always wears #12, and Brazil’s best player will always wear #10.

But retiring a number is juvenile, impulsive, and unnecessary. I understand (to some extent) the need to do something more exclusive in the cases of guys like Gretzky and Jordan, but Texas is a perennial top-5 team, and we may be for the coming decade at least. We’re nearly always going to have great players and record-setting players, and for the love of god, lets act like we’ve been here before; we don’t need to retire everyone’s jersey.

by BrooklynHorn on Jul 25, 2010 2:47 AM CDT up reply actions

love this idea

much better to let the best rb to wear Earl’s number etc than retire numbers. Although i hate that you used alabama in your examples =D. also, nearly all international soccer teams have the best player wearing #10 so you can see how that idea is a worldwide sign of respect.

by dukeoforange on Jul 25, 2010 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions

True

I especially don’t want to offend any Argentinians :)

by BrooklynHorn on Jul 25, 2010 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Though it's not official...

It’s already somewhat of a tradition for our best WR to wear #4. I like this idea, too. It has an air of class and dignity about it.

Do you know what would happen if you typed 'google' into Google? You'd break the internet!
The IT Crowd

by beast in bama on Jul 25, 2010 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions

# 4 is a great example of what I'm talking about.

You need some serious pride and guts to put that thing on.

by BrooklynHorn on Jul 25, 2010 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions

LBs have worn #60 to honor the lineage.

Johnny Treadwell was an All-American linebacker before Tommy Nobis really fixed the number in the Texas psyche. The tradition was very much in the same sense as WRs wearing #4.

by whills on Jul 26, 2010 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Didn't somebody wear #60 for one game recently?

I think it was Derrick Johnson.

by BrooklynHorn on Jul 26, 2010 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions

you sir are correct..nt

by vy til i die on Jul 27, 2010 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions

probably unrealistic

I understand some may feel that retiring numbers is dumb. But I compare that sentiment to my belief that the government should not be in the business of sanctioning marriages: while perhaps having merit, the wheels are in motion, and it’s not going to stop.

There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.

by burntorangehorn on Jul 25, 2010 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions

his 12 will be retired...

…mark my words. look at the official rules for retiring jerseys they made a few years back….colt will get his day at DKR. no no no doubt in my mind…

by vanterminatorhorn on Jul 24, 2010 12:19 AM CDT reply actions

Absolutely: his # will be retired

He has met the criteria, and he set two very impressive NCAA records. One may be broken (wins by a QB), but the other looks like it might never be challenged (completion percentage).

There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.

by burntorangehorn on Jul 24, 2010 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Agreed

Kellen Moore from BSU will top it, and Colt doesnt have the career completion % (another Colt does). But single season…oh yeah. He’s got it.

Stumpy: It's called the '80s. Ford was president, Nixon was in the White House, and FDR was running this country into the ground. I was bummin' in a hole-in-the-wall town in what is now called "Utah".

by kriess on Jul 25, 2010 12:46 AM CDT up reply actions

One domino-effect result of UT's decision not to join the Pac-10:

The Pac-10 ended up inviting Utah, and the MWC ended up inviting Boise State, effective for the 2011 season. While it’s still doubtful that Moore does not add the 20 wins over two seasons that he needs to break Colt’s record, it at least makes it a little more difficult. Hoping for a miracle.

There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.

by burntorangehorn on Jul 25, 2010 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions

was thinking the same thing...nt

by vy til i die on Jul 26, 2010 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions

Will happen in 2010? What game?

I agree that his number will be retired.

by Longhorns84 on Jul 24, 2010 8:21 AM CDT reply actions

Oct. 30 vs. Baylor

The Browns have a bye that week, so if its this year then that would be the logical game.

'Til Gabriel blows his horn...

by mattyj on Jul 24, 2010 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions

why would it be this year?

VY didn’t get it the next year. (Heck, IIRC Keenan Robinson and some freshman receiver were wearing the number at the time)

by vy til i die on Jul 24, 2010 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions

Roster

DJ Monroe is listed as a RB (not WR or athlete).

Chris Whaley is listed at 245. Isn’t that the weight Mack wanted him at?

by Longhorns84 on Jul 24, 2010 9:59 AM CDT reply actions

I think Mack said 245 was the target weight

I suspect that weight is, uh, suspect. At this point. Maybe after two-a-days he gets close to that weight. Even at 245, I doubt Whaley can be a productive RB.

That’s one of the biggest problems with projecting 5-star recruits and the like . . .those ratings are done when the kid is 17, 18 years old, sometimes coming out of less than great nutritional backgrounds and often with the kid playing multiple sports so that weight training is limited and staying relatively light is an asset for playing basketball or excelling in certain track events. Then, through 1-2 freshman seasons (depending on redshirt status), with access to the unlimited goodies on the training table and with S&C work, bodies are completely changed.

Lamarr Houston went from 240, 245 as a freshman DE to 300 as a senior DT. Greg Smith put on 40 or 50 pounds to be an interior linemen, then dropped most of that between September 2008 and summer 2009 to become a TE again. (Insert your favorite volleyball reference here.) IIRC, DE Tim Crowder dropped about 20 pounds between his junior and senior year to get quicker.

The Whaley Watch (be sure to add that “y”) is on.

by edsp on Jul 24, 2010 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions

Wasn't Orakpo about 210lbs. as a high school senior?

He obviously didn’t gain a ton, but he was still at a viable DE weight by the time he finished.

There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.

by burntorangehorn on Jul 24, 2010 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions

Why are you suspect of him at RB

I thought he looked pretty good in the spring game and if he loses some weight should be even faster.

by Longhorns84 on Jul 24, 2010 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Because he weighs 260 pounds

and has a high center of gravity, which makes it hard for him to make sharp cuts.

by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Jul 24, 2010 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions

What about at 245?

by Longhorns84 on Jul 25, 2010 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Somewhere around there

I would be surprised if 245 is really the right number though.

by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Jul 24, 2010 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Is Colt McCoy worthy of retiring #12?

Right now, I say he is. Personally, I do not feel that one has to win a Heisman and/or NC to garner such recognition.

From research: Here are the highlights…
McCoy won the 2008/2009 Walter Camp Award.

Was the 2008 Heisman Trophy runner-up.

McCoy won more games (45) than any quarterback in NCAA Division I history.

In his senior year, he won 13 of the top 15 major college player awards including:
1) Quarterback of the year
2) Offensive player of the year
3) Outstanding football player of the year.

In 2008 McCoy set school records for:
1) Most career touchdown passes
2) Most touchdown passes in a season
3) Most total touchdowns by a Texas player
4) Most career wins
5) Most career passing yards

McCoy was named the 2008 AP Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

But to appreciate his full scope of work, one must look at EVERYTHING. Please pardon the following, as normally I would simply post a link. But to see the awards and accomplishments listed here in this fashion seems to drive the point home:

Records (taken from Wiki)

    * UT – Most Total Touchdowns, Career: 102 (Took lead on October 18, 2008 versus Missouri)14
    * UT – Most Touchdown Passes, Career: 85 (Took lead on September 20, 2008 versus Rice)12
    * UT – Most Touchdown Passes, Single Season: 29, (2006 season),6 broke own record in 2008
    * UT – Most Touchdown Passes, Single Season: 34, (2008 season – reached 30 on November 15, 2008 vs. the Kansas Jayhawks) 13
    * UT – Most Touchdown Passes, Game: 6, (October 14, 2006 versus Baylor)
    * UT – Most Passing Completions, Game: 41, (January 5, 2009 versus Ohio State Buckeyes)63
    * UT – Most Consecutive Passing Completions, Game: 18 (October 25, 2008 versus Oklahoma State (surpassed his own record of 17 on October 18, 2008 versus Missouri).14
    * UT – Most Career wins as a quarterback: 45 (November 27, 2008 vs. Texas A&M, surpassed Vince Young, also most career wins in FBS history)15
    * UT – Most Career passing yards, Season: 3,594+ yards (November 27, 2008 vs. Texas A&M, surpassed Major Applewhite)15
    * UT – Tie – Most Passing Attempts, Game: 58, (January 5, 2009 versus Ohio State Buckeyes)63
    * NCAA – Highest Single Season completion percentage: 77.6%.97
    * NCAA – Most wins by a starting quarterback in NCAA Division I history with 45.98
    * NCAA – Tied for second place for most passing touchdowns by a freshman with 29 alongside Nevada’s David Neill in 1998 52
    * NCAA Colt McCoy is the only quarterback in college football history to have at least ten wins per season during all four seasons.

College awards and honors

    * 2006 “All Freshman Team” by College Football News8
    * 2006 "National Freshman of the Year" by The Sporting News and the Touchdown Club of Columbus99
    * 2006 Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year by the Associated Press.19
    * 2006 Valero Alamo Bowl Offensive MVP
    * 2008 Pacific Life Holiday Bowl Offensive MVP
    * 2008 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press100
    * 2008 Second-team All-Big 12 by the Associated Press101
    * 2008 Walter Camp Award by the Walter Camp Foundation102
    * 2008 First-team All-America by the Walter Camp Foundation,103 FWAA,104 and Sports Illustrated105
    * 2008 Archie Griffin Award106
    * 2008 co-Sporting News Player of the Year107
    * 2008 Heisman Memorial Trophy Runner-up 108
    * 2009 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Offensive MVP
    * 2009 First-team All-American by Associated Press, AFCA, FWAA109, Walter Camp Foundation 110, Rivals.com, Scout.com
    * 2009 First-team All-Big 12 111
    * 2009 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year 111
    * 2009 NCAA Quarterback of the Year 112
    * 2009 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award 113
    * 2009 Davey O’Brien Award
    * 2009 Chic Harley Award 112
    * 2009 Maxwell Award
    * 2009 Walter Camp Award by the Walter Camp Foundation
    * 2009 Sporting News College Athlete of the Year
    * 2009 AT&T ESPN All-America Player of the Year 114

Based on the above, I would conclude that Colt is VERY deserving of seeing #12 alongside The Tyler Rose, VY, RW, Bobby Lane and Tommy Nobis. Moreover, as much as I like Kevin Durant, playing only one season and enjoying the esteemed honor of seeing your jersey retired forever rings a bit hollow. Don’t get me wrong, I love KD and all that he stands for. His character and demeanor aside (take that LeDoosh), he just did not do enough to warrant such a distinction.

"Stats are for losers. I like winning games." ~ Will Muschamp

"I always felt like, and I paid a price for it, that it didn't seem right for one guy to bring me down." ~ The Tyler Rose

"I'm Colt McCoy and I Am Second." ~ Colt McCoy

by Mulliganville on Jul 24, 2010 4:18 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs

My eyes hurt

But thank you. Rec’d

Stumpy: It's called the '80s. Ford was president, Nixon was in the White House, and FDR was running this country into the ground. I was bummin' in a hole-in-the-wall town in what is now called "Utah".

by kriess on Jul 25, 2010 12:47 AM CDT up reply actions

I don't think there's any question that he deserves it

If the bar for # retirement is set above what Colt McCoy has done, then I really wouldn’t know what to say. Not many of us on here were alive when Bobby Layne was starting for Texas, but looking back, were the things he did really any more impressive than what Colt has done? That’s not meant to question Layne’s deserving of # retirement, but rather to support Colt’s case.

There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.

by burntorangehorn on Jul 25, 2010 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Does Tech retire all of its record-setters?

If they do, they’re probably running out of numbers for QB’s.

We need to accept that with our offensive system, and our recruiting, its entirely possible the next 4 Texas QB’s could put up similar numbers. Are we going to retire them all? 6 consecutive Texas QB’s (including Vince and Colt)?!!

If the next few QB studs we get put up similar numbers and DON’T get their jerseys retired then does Colt get it simply for being the first in this system?

by BrooklynHorn on Jul 25, 2010 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions

Similar numbers?

Read over that list that Mulliganville posted. No way. Especially unlikely is the all-time wins record. Seriously, how could you even argue against that? It’d be different if Colt had simply been along for the ride, but I don’t think there’s any question that Colt was responsible for a higher percentage of this team’s wins than most quarterbacks are for theirs. He had one year in which he had some good help from the running game (2007), and even that was only really for the second half of the season. The rest of the time he WAS the offense.

Furthermore, look at the awards he won. How many of those Tech QBs came away with those kinds of accolades? How many won even one national award?

Really, what do you think should be the criteria for having the number retired? Maybe winning a national championship? If so, Alabama had better go ahead and plan to retire McElroy’s number.

There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.

by burntorangehorn on Jul 25, 2010 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Colt played 4 years...

Had any Tech QB done that, he’d have a lot of Colt’s career numbers. As for total wins, Texas is a great team with great players at every position offensively and defensively and considering our schedule (only a couple of plausible losses each year), how could a very good quarterback NOT get something close to 40 wins in 4 years?

Before I am perceived as bashing Colt, My opinion is that he is the second best QB in school history behind Vince, and probably a top-10 all time Longhorn.

The point I’m trying to make is that our recruiting prowess dictates that we are very likely to have QB’s in the near future who have similar talent and success, and if they don’t stay 4 years, then at least they will have similar individual seasons. Along with Tech, also consider the success of each USC QB from this past decade. I’m saying Colt may be one in a long line of QB’s in an era beginning with Vince. And if we retire his number, then we will be 2 for 2 retiring QB numbers since we burst into the list of legitimate contenders, having overcome the BCS hurdle in 2004. Imagine continuing at that rate; while not entirely likely, its conceivable we could retire 4, 5 or 6 jerseys in a row if our program’s success doesn’t decline in the coming years. That just seems silly.

Its not that I don’t think Colt is great, its more that this perhaps begins a habit that I find obnoxious. We’re Texas. Texas has great players right now. We get it. Retiring numbers seems so bush league.

by BrooklynHorn on Jul 25, 2010 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't think I made any numbers comparisons between Colt and Tech guys

So I’m not sure why you brought that up. Anyway, I definitely disagree that recruiting prowess dictates anything of the sort, because Colt definitely transcended his recruiting rating, and if the offense does revert to under center on a majority basis, the numbers are almost certain to take a big dip in the passing department.

There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.

by burntorangehorn on Jul 25, 2010 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions

don't you kind of confirm his argument here

You just said that his #‘s are a byproduct of the system as much as anything else. Put him under center like the qb’s were the 100 previous years of UT football and he doesn’t have those #’s.

He brings up recruiting to simply say that we surrounded Colt with great players. I agree with this. He got to throw to JMike, Sweed, Quan and Shipley among others.

Nobody is saying that Colt wasn’t a great Longhorn and doesn’t have an impressive list of accomplishments to his name, some of us just question if #12 needs to retired. That’s all.

by andmyster on Jul 25, 2010 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions