Reader LSMFT took a stab at the 2008 depth chart on Wednesday; as promised in the comments, I have some follow-up thoughts. We'll start with the offense:
My season opener projection, with brief commentary:
| FL | Jordan Shipley |
Brandon Collins | DJ Grant |
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| TE | Blaine Irby |
Peter Ullman |
Josh Marshall | |||
| RT | Kyle Hix |
Aundre McGaskey |
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| RG | Cedric Dockery |
Britt Mitchell |
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| C | Chris Hall |
Buck Burnette |
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| LG | Charlie Tanner | Michael Huey |
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| LT | Adam Ulatoski |
Tray Allen |
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| SE | Malcolm Williams |
Montre Webber | Dan Buckner |
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| TB | Vondrell McGee |
Foswhitt Whittaker |
Chris Ogboannaya |
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| QB | Colt McCoy | Sherrod Harris |
John Chiles |
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| SB | Quan Cosby |
James Kirkendoll |
DeSean Hales |
NOTES
General: Eliminated the FB position, which isn't a big part of the offense / Didn't go three-deep where the projection is too speculative / Avoided slotting John Chiles & Curtis Brown at WR (let's talk in August).
Projection Note: The above is for the opening game only. One important thing to emphasize is that the situation has to be considered extremely fluid at RB, WR, and along the OL - one of several reasons why I'm not sold on 2008 as Texas' year to win any titles.
QB: I think we're going to see a shift on the QB depth chart behind McCoy, with Harris assuming back up duties and Chiles being used as an all-purpose roamer. This is a good thing. Texas needs a Jeremy Maclin-type threat on the field, and Chiles is as good a bet as any. Use the kid and let the more polished Harris develop as the #2 QB.
RB: McGee between the tackles, Whittaker given every chance to show home run potential, and OG as our third-down specialist.
WR: If there's a surprise breakout on offense for Texas this year, part of the formula involves Malcolm Williams erupting. Call it a hunch.
OL: The projected group I have won't be the starters by bowl season. The situation on the OL looks great for 2009-10. This year is to sort out who's who.