Question of the Week: Is a serviceable quarterback on Texas' roster?

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Bobby Burton, Publisher

Neither Tyrone Swoopes nor Jerrod Heard were "serviceable" last year, at least not by my definition of the word. I also don't think they will be this year when there's an increased focus on the passing game. That being said, I think Shane Buechele could be serviceable by the start of conference play. At that point, Texas could begin to put the pieces in place by mid-season and really become a better team overall, especially when matched with a defense that starts to mature. Swoopes and Heard will have to prove it to me before I'll believe it, especially when it comes to tossing the rock. Until then, consider me a skeptic.

Jeff Howe, Senior Writer

How one feels about the Texas quarterback situation boils down to expectations. I had the conversation with someone about David Ash a few years ago when they were disappointed that Ash hadn’t emerged as a Heisman contender and a Colt McCoy-like signal caller entering his junior season. That prompted me to respond that it wasn’t Ash’s fault, it was that person’s fault for having unrealistic expectations. My expectations for the Texas quarterback position are this: can they find a quarterback who won’t lose games? We’ve seen Tyrone Swoopes and Jerrod Heard make plays to win games at various points during their runs as the starter, but we’ve also seen both implode and make head-scratching miscues at critical moments. Growing out of that comes with experience, and both have had performances where they were effective and managed the game well enough for Texas to win last season; Heard against Oklahoma and Swoopes against Baylor. I’m not expecting the Longhorns to find an answer at the position in 2016. But I am expecting the coaches to find someone who can manage the offense, which falls under the category of being serviceable in my book.

EJ Holland, Lead Recruiting Reporter

I understand that spring reports regarding Texas' quarterback situation have been, well, not great. And yes, I know why the outlook is pessimistic. But I still believe that Jerrod Heard can be a serviceable quarterback for the Longhorns this season. While this offensive system might not be the best fit, I fully believe new offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert will cater to his strengths if Heard does indeed win the job. Heard was an amazing dual-threat quarterback at Denton Guyer — I was really impressed every single time I watched him. And he showed flashes of that top recruit last season as he completed close to 60 percent of his passes, threw for 1,214 yards and rushed for 556 yards. That was in his first year starting as a redshirt freshman. Heard definitely has some “juice” left in the tank, but he has to make more than just incremental improvements as a passer this offseason. The raw, playmaking athletic ability is there. But Heard must be molded from an athlete into an actual quarterback. Gilbert might have more success that Shawn Watson did. Other than Heard, I just don't see it. I don't think Tyrone Swoopes is the answer, and Shane Buechele isn't ready.

Chris Hummer, Managing Editor

Oh, how far Texas’ quarterback room has fallen for this to be the question. But yes, I believe there is a serviceable QB on the roster for Texas. Serviceable doesn’t mean much to me. It’s average. It’s Kyle Orton on any of the six NFL teams he played for. It’s someone who won’t make things worse. Call me crazy, but I think Tyrone Swoopes can be that guy. He’s never really performed once the lights come on, unless he’s in a specialty package or in a few select moments during his first season as a starter. But with Sterlin Gilbert’s new system, he’ll be placed in a better position to succeed. His reads will be cut in half, his throws will be shorter and his arm strength will be his featured attribute, which is one of his best. He also proved last season he’s a capable runner, even though he’s not quite Jerrod Heard. Plus, after three seasons, Swoopes knows the mistakes he can and cannot make. You can’t say the same thing about Heard, who is still learning to make the throws, and true freshman Shane Buechele, who has a bright future but hasn’t taken a college snap. Swoopes last start came against a Top 10 Baylor team. Swoopes threw for 151 yards on 12-of-19 passing with a touchdown and no interceptions. He also rushed for 52 yards and one touchdown. The Bears defense wasn’t great last season, but it was serviceable, which is exactly what I think Swoopes can be for Texas this year.