Texas OT Kent Perkins out for remainder of spring

Teas Longhorns offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Joe Wickline will be without one of his three proven tackles for the rest of the spring after the school announced that sophomore Kent Perkins will be sideline with the knee injury that he suffered recently in practice.

Perkins recently underwent successful arthroscopic knee surgery and is expected to return in time for fall camp, according to Heath Athletic Trainer for Football Anthony Pass.

The sophomore from Lake Highlands started one game for Texas last season after an outstanding high school career that included participation in the 2013 US Army All-American game. He also played in five other games in 2013.

Since junior college transfer Desmond Harrison rarely played last season as a result of the time that he missed during fall camp with his academic eligibility issues and some nagging injuries, Perkins entered the spring as the second-most experienced offensive tackle on the team, behind junior Kennedy Estelle.

For such a young lineman, Perkins was unquestionably ahead of the normal developmental curve, but the 6'5, 310-pounder definitely could have used the reps he would have received this spring.

Instead, Texas will have to find another tackle, perhaps redshirt freshman Darius James, who played the position at the 2013 Under Armour All-American game and has lost somewhere between 20 and 30 pounds since his arrival in Austin.