Can Tyrone Swoopes hold off Jerrod Heard for Texas QB job?

Tyrone Swoopes looks to fend off Texas high school football star Jerrod Heard in spring practices, who will be the Longhorn’s starter in 2015?

There is controversy brewing in Texas’ capitol and it has nothing to do with politics, but it may have equal magnitude. Longhorn football is just as, if not more, important as legislature, food trucks, and barbecue in Austin.

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It’s the beginning of April and Charlie Strong and his team are in the midst of spring practice trying to improve upon their 6-7 record from last year.

They are particularly looking to progress at the quarterback position that had the No. 90 passing offense last year. If the Longhorns offense can take the next step they will be contenders to win the Big 12. In order to take that step they need improved play from either Tyrone Swoopes or Jerrod Heard at quarterback.

There will be an open competition between Swoopes and Heard for the quarterback position. Strong told ESPN.com, “Going into spring practice, we’re going to give them equal reps and give them a chance to go compete against each other.”

Swoopes was the captain of the sinking ship that was Texas’ offense last year. Of course there was a learning curve that comes with a new coach and leading a college offense for the first time, however the results weren’t encouraging. Swoopes ended the season with a little less than 2,500 yards and 13 touchdowns; couple that with the No. 101 rushing offense and the outcome is lackluster.

Heard, the redshirt freshman from Denton Guyer, is really the Longhorn’s only other option barring a surprise transfer. Texas is rumored to be changing to a spread offense which is what Heard ran when he lead Denton Guyer to back-to-back state titles.

Thought Swoopes had a strong day. Made good decisions. Jerrod Heard looked good as well. Throws on the run were on point.
— William Wilkerson (@WillieWilk23) March 25, 2015

Heard is somewhat of a mystery for the Horns. Strong decided not to burn his redshirt last year, even during some of Swoopes most tumultuous runs. This leads me to believe that the coaching staff did not think Swoopes was ready to play at the next level. If he hasn’t improved upon his struggles the coaches may opt for Swoopes in 2015.

I believe Swoopes will be number one on the depth chart when they suit up to play Notre Dame on September 5. He won’t be 100 percent safe, however, if he continues to struggle like he did last year because Heard will have an opportunity to take over.

Heard should be able to bring out the best in Swoopes by pushing him in spring practices, and in-game experience gives Swoopes a slight edge over Heard. The Orange-White game will be very telling for this quarterback competition.

Strong has time to find his starter at quarterback and Heard has time to unseat Swoopes, but who do you think will be the starter for the season opener?

Next: Ranking Big 12 Quarterbacks Entering Spring Practice

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