Texas WR Jerrod Heard could run some trick plays vs. Cal

For reasons that should still be quite obvious, Texas Longhorns quarterback-turned-wide receiver Jerrod Heard is excited about this weekend’s upcoming meeting with the California Golden Bears, whom he torched for a Texas single-game record 527 total yards in last season’s heartbreaking 45-44 loss.

Heard had clearly done all he could to help the Longhorns come out on top from the quarterback position; an effort largely done with his legs after his 24 carries went for 163 yards and three touchdowns, including the nearly game-tying score on an electric 45-yard scamper.

This time around, much of Heard’s productivity likely depends on the accuracy and decision-making of true freshman quarterback Shane Buechele, who has already connected with Heard eight times for 119 yards and two scores this season. But if Heard got his way Saturday night, the playmaking sophomore may be in line for a few trick plays, allowing him to do just what he does best.

“That’s up to the coaches, but that would be nice if I could get back there and get some carries,” Heard said via InsideTexas. “As far as that, that’s game planning with the coaches.”

“That’s one of the things I don’t forget about is that run,” Heard said about his 45-yard touchdown run at the end of the Cal game last season. “That was one of the best moments I’ve ever had. I love seeing that and keep reliving that.”

Of course, that decision will ultimately be up to play-calling guru Sterlin Gilbert, but the possibility of some trickery isn't something the Longhorns offensive coordinator is counting out, per HookEm.com.

“I think that stuff’s there in everybody’s offense,” Gilbert said. “That’s situation football, when it might be needed or when it’s not needed. We’ve just got to continue to get better… at the stuff we consider our bread-and-butter stuff. That’s the stuff that we’ve been focused on, right now, early in the season.”

“If those (situations) come back up, those are always possible,” Gilbert said.

If Gilbert decided to get Heard involved in a trick play or two, he certainly wouldn’t have to be the most creative in doing so. Heard is the seventh Longhorn since 1980 to have recorded a rushing, receiving and passing touchdown, and could be in store for one of each on Saturday night if Gilbert is feeling tricky.