Posted: Sun, 23 Aug 2009 04:14 PM - 9,572 Readers

By: Alan Trubow

photo by Rodolfo Gonzalez

Sherrod Harris missed only two days of practice this week with a strained oblique muscle. But that was enough for Garrett Gilbert.

It seems that Gilbert — the record-setting freshman from Lake Travis — has taken full control of the backup quarterback position behind Colt McCoy.

"He's done a heck of a job coming in without spring training," offensive coordinator Greg Davis said. "He can go out and function in the no-huddle and deal with the speed of the game and all the blitzes you see in camp."

No redshirt for freshman Walters

Freshman guard Mason Walters, who has been impressive in preseason camp, most likely will play this season rather than redshirting.

"We've gone in with the idea that if (freshmen) can play this year, they should play," Davis said. "With guys like Brandon Collins and James Kirkendoll, you would like for them to be sophomores this year, but maybe they had such good years last year because they played as freshmen."

Walters, a 6-foot-6-inch, 300-pound wall of muscle from Wolfforth Frenship, figures to eventually play at tackle, though the Horns are using him at guard for now.