The Texas Longhorns have suffered their first significant injury of fall camp with the news that senior quarterback Miles Onyegbule will miss the rest of the season after tearing multiple knee ligaments in a recent practice:
Late #Longhorns injury news tonight. Senior QB/TE Miles Onyegbule says he's out for season. #HookEm pic.twitter.com/jA5nvrtGhZ
— Adam Winkler (@WinklerKEYE) August 11, 2014
Listed as a quarterback on the official roster after making the move from tight end during the spring to help out with quarterback depth, the Arlington High product wasn't expected to receive any playing time this fall after throwing for 60 yards on 5-of-10 passing, but threw two interceptions. He also added a touchdown and a 14-yard run, but fumbled away a carry as well.
In other words, despite a beautiful 30-yard pass down the sideline to now-dismissed wide receiver Montrel Meander that converted a long down-and-distance situation, the decision-making and overall production level from Onyegbule didn't suggest that he was capable of competing for playing time this fall or filling in adequately in case of injuries, hardly a surprise given his lack of experience at the position having played there only one season in high school.
And even though Onyegbule could conceivably apply for a medical redshirt, the odds of him returning for another season with equally limited odds of contributing likely means that his Texas career is over.
Texas now has three scholarship quarterbacks on campus, one under the number that most coaches prefer -- junior David Ash, sophomore Tyrone Swoopes, and freshman Jerrod Heard. As reported during the summer, there's also a new walk on, former La Grange and Blinn College sophomore Logan Vinklarek, though he's likely behind fellow sophomore Trey Holtz, also a walk on.
The former high school wide receiver and quarterback who was rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals appeared in 22 games over his career, recording four catches, all during his freshman season in 2011, including a four-yard catch that converted a third down on the game-winning drive against Texas A&M.
It was his only significant contribution during his career, as the move to tight end during his sophomore season hurt his position on the depth chart and an ankle injury shortened his season. In 2013, he once again missed time, sitting out the first five games.
Best of luck to Onyegbule with his recovery and in his future endeavors.