If you were following recruiting via Twitter in 2011 and 2012 you'll recall 'Texas Gang or Die'. It was a bit of a rallying cry for a class that would finish very highly ranked. A class that was supposed to return Mack Brown and Texas back to the top.
Though the 28-man class had star power in Johnathan Gray and Malcom Brown, it has largely failed to live up to its tremendous potential, though there are still many contributing pieces to the class with talent. Sadly, the class reads like a 'Who's who' of 'what ifs'. Many players haven't lived up to their considerable hype. Others were jettisoned for legal trouble or school infractions - a bit too much gang and not enough Texas.
One player who bled TGOD despite being from out-of-state was Arizona quarterback Connor Brewer. Despite offers from Alabama and many other top programs, Brewer settled on Texas rather early in the process. He immediately became one of the leaders of the class despite living a 1,000 miles away. Being a continual participant on the camp circuit helped that endeavor.
The camp circuit was indicative of his ability; Elite 11 quarterback, Under Armour All-American, etc.
At Texas, we never saw that ability firsthand. David Ash looked poised to be a 4-year starter before injury befell him. This would've been Brewer's chance. But earlier that summer, it was known Mack Brown would settle with Case McCoy as his no. 2 and Brewer promptly transferred July 2013 to Arizona where his luck went from bad to worse.
At about the same time Arizona freshman Anu Solomon took hold of the reins, UT's season was caving before it started as Ash was re-injured. Thrust into action long before he was ready, Tyrone Swoopes had an "eventful" season. Those could have been Brewer's snaps, and he knows it.
Brewer believes those snaps are still his, if given the chance. He's rather confident he'd win the starting job, in fact. UT's interest thus far has been tepid, but with limited options already available before Eastern Washington's Vernon Adams decided to transfer to Oregon, they may be running out of time.
The transfer quarterback who can play immediately finds himself in a seller's market. Brewer can sell intelligence, understanding of the game, and Day-1 availability. He has official visits at his disposal to ensure he finds the best fit. Who's "buying"? So far South Carolina, Florida, and UTSA have all requested visits. Texas is still on the fence.
I'm not advocating for UT to bring Brewer on board, but if the coaches want to, they may have to hurry or gamble with going into the season with the youngest stable of quarterbacks I can recall.
Personally, I'd like to see Brewer return. Aside from Texas needing the help, it would make for a great story to see Brewer back with the remnants of TGOD.
