Kinne to Tulsa. As has been mentioned several times around here, redshirt freshman QB GJ Kinne is transferring to Tulsa. While I certainly don't blame him for transferring, the decision to leave does beg the question as to why he decided on Texas in the first place. Kinne, son of a successful high school coach, was committed to Baylor before defecting to the Longhorns late in the recruiting process. Given McCoy's presence and the inevitable arrival of either Gilbert or Shepard in '09, one wonders whether he might have saved himself some hassle with a better decision from the get-go. Regardless, best wishes to him headed forward.
A fascinating game of musical chairs. The Longhorns' football website notes that Chris Hall has been named to the 2008 Rimington Trophy watch list; the award honors the nation's top center. First of all, kudos to Chris Hall, who was a god-send on the line last season by playing all five positions along the line. A year ago at this time, we were wondering whether he was going to take the step forward in his development to be someone Texas could count on.
However pleased I may be to see him getting some recognition, this provides a nice excuse to mention what is a fascinating situation for Texas this fall. The spring game starters on the offensive line from left to right were Ulatoski-Tanner-Hall-Dockery-Hix. If that's a plausible first team on the offensive line, make note of the names not included: Tray Allen, Michael Huey, Aundre McGaskey, and Buck Burnette.
We'll do more O-Line depth charting this summer and fall, but suffice it to say for now that the spring game starting group is likely not Texas' best group. I suspect the depth is going to be one of those problems the team is happy to have to work through. I know I am.
How much is too much? ESPN.com's Bruce Feldman weighs in on the Ryan Perrilloux dismissal ($), concluding that though LSU may suffer a setback in 2008, the team will be better off for it in the long-term. Feldman also poses an interesting question about superstars with discipline problems: how much rope do you give a player with enormous talent and importance to your team? On the one hand, Miles' decision to give RP every chance possible is understandable. But as Feldman notes, there are hidden costs that accompany special treatment. It's easy to referee these things from the bleachers, but that's one aspect of the head coaching job I wouldn't want any part of.