Backup Longhorn QB getting rave reviews
By Clint Hale
Daily Texan
(U-WIRE) AUSTIN, Texas -- Vince Young has excelled in relief of starting quarterback Chance Mock thus far in 2003, but standout performances against New Mexico State and Rice weren't going to silence detractors who said the redshirt freshman couldn't run an offense against a legitimate college football program.
Young finally got his first shot at true stardom in Saturday's 63-18 win over Tulane, a team that typically finds itself in a postseason bowl game. It was an opportunity the Houston-native relished, and one he utilized to its fullest potential.
In the first half alone, Young carried three times for a team-high 69 yards, and completed three of his five pass attempts for 42 yards and a touchdown. Included in the effort was a 60-yard run, the longest by a freshman quarterback in school history.
"I didn't know that was a record, but I'll take it," he joked. "It just felt really good to get out there and do well for the second straight week."
Mock is the unquestioned starter at the quarterback spot, an assertion echoed wholeheartedly by Texas players and coaches. But Young's play in the victory over Tulane isn't likely to hurt his chances at playing time in the near future.
"Me and Chance both bring something to the game, and defensive coordinators have to develop two game plans for us," Young said. "I'm just trying to get the tweaks worked out in my game now that conference play is starting."
The Green Wave (3-2), may be a solid ballclub, but their defense is not of the caliber of Texas' next two opponents -- Kansas State and top-ranked Oklahoma.
Brown has a history of not playing his prized recruits against tougher ballclubs, as evidenced by Young's absence from a 38-28 loss to Arkansas two weeks ago. It was a move Brown later said he regretted and a move the coaching staff doesn't intend to make in the future against other ranked foes.
"We started the season with the intent of having Vince ready to go in conference play in case we needed him," offensive coordinator Greg Davis said. "We'll sit down Thursday and decide when we want to put him in the game next week against Kansas State."
Entering every series to a chorus of cheers is nothing new for Young, who nearly led Houston Madison High School to a state championship during his senior year. But running onto the field at Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium is a different experience altogether for the star in the making.
"The crowds weren't quite as big when I played in high school, but I love hearing the fans when I come in," he said.
After dealing with a quarterback controversy involving Chris Simms and Major Applewhite, Brown said earlier in the season that the most popular player on the roster is the backup quarterback.
And while some will argue that it's not Young's position on the depth chart, but rather his unlimited potential that has people drawing a comparison to Atlanta Falcons' star quarterback Michael Vick, the redshirt freshman said it's a bit early to be stacking him up against an NFL Pro Bowl player.
"It's an honor to be compared to Michael Vick, but he's done things I've never done," Young said. "I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing and helping us win ballgames."
