Posted: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:39 AM - 9,322 Readers

By: Alan Trubow and Suzanne Halliburton

3 Garrett Gilbert's jersey number. The number he wore while at Lake Travis High School — 7 — is worn by former quarterback-turned-receiver John Chiles.

3 Total catches in 2008 for all remaining healthy tight ends on the Texas roster. There are five TEs now, but two are true freshmen.

22 Days remaining until the Longhorns' season opener Sept. 5 against Louisiana-Monroe.

Longhorns poll

Go to statesman.com/bevobeat and give us your answer to today's Longhorns question:

What position are you most worried about heading into the season?

A. Running backs

B. Defensive line

C. Tight ends

D. Receivers

E. No worries at all

We'll print your responses tomorrow, when we'll also ask a new question.

Alexander gets help on his pass-rushing skills

Senior defensive tackle Ben Alexander has been known as a run-stopper throughout his career. He knows that in order for him to see more playing time he has to develop some pass-rushing moves.

Alexander said Thursday that he spent time with Cory Redding, the former Longhorn defensive end, who now plays for Seattle.

Alexander said he also worked with Marcus Tubbs, a former UT defensive tackle who was a first-round draft pick in 2004.

Tubbs is back in Austin working on his degree and has been interning in the football office.

Longhorns could look to 2008 for tight end fix

The Longhorns may be somewhat prepared for their sudden problem at the tight end position, because the recent losses of Blaine Irby and D.J. Grant are basically repeats of last year.

Texas lost two tight ends during August workouts last season, then Irby suffered a severe dislocated knee in September against Rice.

By the start of Big 12 play, Longhorns offensive coordinator Greg Davis had tinkered with his offensive sets, flexing starting receiver Jordan Shipley into where the tight end would be.

That could be a plan for this fall, considering that Texas is stocked at wide receiver.