Longhorns turn to McCoy, Muschamp

The University of Texas Longhorns lost their top tight end, top wideout and top running back. This is usually a cause for concern, but we're talking about Texas, who like other top programs show an uncanny ability to reload instead of rebuild.

That means the players on the spot are: tight end Blaine Irby, receivers Brandon Collins and Malcolm Williams, and halfbacks Vondrell McGee, Chris Ogbannaya and "Fozzy" Whitaker. If they slip in seamlessly into the rotation, as others have before them, then the Longhorns don't skip a beat.

McGee showed he was a hard-running, between-the-tackles force in the spring, but Whitaker, a redshirt freshman, has shown he'll be a formidable weapon in the backfield as well.

Quan Cosby will clearly be the go-to receiver at the start of the season. Should Jordan Shipley stay healthy at the other receiver spot, talented freshmen Collins and Williams will have time to develop. Irby has the skills to follow in the David Thomas/Jermichael Finley big-play mold at tight end.

Quarterback Colt McCoy should be more of a rushing threat, and with Jamaal Charles gone, that makes defenses have to be more honest on their choices of who to look for on the Longhorns' basic zone read play.

McCoy has hit the weight room, gotten more durable, and at the same time has improved his speed. He's no Vince Young, but he's not just an idle threat, either. Last season, McCoy rushed for 492 yards on 114 carries, including 4 TDs. He was sacked 25 times and threw 18 INTs, a career high. A better, healthier line could bring down both of those numbers while increasing his TD pass total from 22 last year.

Last season's misfortune is this season's treasure on the line, with six linemen having starting experience, led by two-year regulars Cedric Dockery and Adam Ulatoski.

Texas has a new defensive coordinator for the fourth straight year. Rising coaching star Will Muschamp won't be changing much, except terminology.

The front seven is solid, and the linebackers have the potential -- read: talent -- to be the best in Mack Brown's tenure. Brian Orakpo and Henry Melton should be above average at the ends. Lamarr Houston and Roy Miller have experience at the tackles.

Houston's size inside (275) might be a bit of a question, but Miller is a full 300 pounds. They combined for 20 tackles for loss last season.

Rashad Bobino returns at middle linebacker, but should be pushed by Jared Norton. Sergio Kindle, if he can stay healthy, could have the breakout year long expected of him. Rod Muckelroy mans the weakside spot.

Ryan Palmer returns at one cornerback spot, and Deon Beasley, a part-time starter last year, fills the other. Safety, where the Longhorns have recently had trouble separating run support from pass coverage, has four freshmen among the top five.

Quan Cosby gives the Longhorns a dependable and productive punt and kick returner. Ryan Bailey has been solid at kicker since his stirring debut began with the last-second game-winning kick at Nebraska in 2006. Recruit Justin Tucker steps right into the punting role, as dicey a prospect as starting any freshman.

OVERVIEW

The Longhorns should have a decent running game by committee, particularly behind an experienced and deep line. Getting an honest pass rush from the front four and having the linebackers play up to their billing should give the young secondary time to develop. Turn the promise of the young receivers into production, and all is well and full of postseason possibilities.

SCHEDULE

(Home games in CAPS)

Aug. 30 FLORIDA ATLANTIC

Sept. 6 at UTEP

Sept. 13 ARKANSAS

Sept. 20 RICE

Oct. 4 at Colorado

Oct. 11 vs. Oklahoma (in Dallas)

Oct. 18 MISSOURI

Oct. 25 OKLAHOMA STATE

Nov. 1 at Texas Tech

Nov. 8 BAYLOR

Nov. 15 at Kansas

Nov. 27 TEXAS A&M

(For more college football coverage, visit www.lindysports.com.)

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com)