It’s at this point in the program where we’re compelled to state that the Charlie Strong era at Texas has gotten off on the wrong foot.
(Waiting for the groans to subside... and we’re good.)
In the run-up to the first Austin spring game for Strong next week, the Longhorns’ offense has suffered what will likely be a short-term blow as starting quarterback David Ash sustained a broken bone in his left foot during practice. As a result, Ash will undergo surgery next week and, obviously, miss the remainder of spring practice.
The good news is that the football program expects Ash to be rehabbed and fully recovered for the start of summer camp in early August. One of the negatives is the fact that Ash could use as many reps as possible, given the fact that the new staff is still installing coordinator Joe Wickline‘s offense. Another negative? The injury could be privately worse than the public prognosis, with speculation already making the rounds that this is an issue that could linger deep into camp and perhaps bleed into the regular season.
Regardless, and with Ash out for the foreseeable future, touted 2013 signee Tyrone Swoopes will move front and center for the Longhorns’ spring game a week from Saturday. This could also be yet another factor that sways erstwhile USC quarterback Max Wittek to transfer to UT, which was already the front-runner for the player even before Ash’s issues.
The foot issue continues a recent mini-string of negative injury news for Ash.
Ash missed most of last year due to a concussion suffered early on in the season. Afterincurring the original injurySept. 7, Ashreturned two weeks lateronly to seethe concussion symptoms recur and sideline him yet again. In late November, Ash wasofficially shut downfor what little was left of the season. In mid-January, he was cleared by the UT medical staff to resume football activities.
Because he missed most of last season, Ash has already applied for a medical hardship waiver that would give him an additional season of eligibility.