Wolverine Quarterback Is Given a Passing Grade

Ever since Texas learned it was playing Michigan in the Rose Bowl, the Longhorns’ defensive coaches and players have watched tape on Wolverine quarterback Chad Henne.

They’re impressed with the freshman’s coolness in having passed for 2,516 yards and 21 touchdowns.

“I don’t see him as a freshman, I see him as a player,” Texas strong safety Michael Huff said. “He gets hit and doesn’t get rattled. He gets right back up and concentrates on the next play.”

Henne began the season by becoming the first true freshman quarterback to start an opener for Michigan since Rick Leach in 1975. And Saturday, he’ll become the first true freshman quarterback to start a Rose Bowl game.

“I had to go back and look to see if he was there for spring practice because he’s that far along,” Texas co-defensive coordinator Greg Robinson said. “The way he goes through progressions and the way he looks off. He really looks like a quarterback that is more experienced than a freshman just coming in. And on top of that, he can throw the football.”

Texas ranked ninth in the country in pass defense in 2003 but, despite having two three-year starters, the Longhorns slipped to 59th this season against the pass, giving up 211.4 yards a game, nearly 25 more than in 2003.

But they have forced turnovers with their pressure defense, picking up 23 this season, including 13 interceptions.

Huff said Texas’ ability to mix up coverages and blitzes would be the key to slowing Henne.

“We have to get him so he doesn’t know what defense we’re in,” Huff said. “We have to get him to read on the run, which will allow us time to get pressure. That will make it easy for us in the back end.”

Texas also understands that Henne has all-everything receiver Braylon Edwards to turn to in case he gets in trouble.

“I haven’t noticed [Henne] forcing any passes. Everything is pretty much a good decision,” Huff said. “But if nobody is open, he’ll just throw it up to Edwards, and three out of four times he’ll make the play.”

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Longhorn assistant head coach Dick Tomey has agreed to become San Jose State’s coach, Associated Press reported.

Tomey, 66, the career leader in coaching victories at Arizona and Hawaii, will replace Fitz Hill, who resigned this month.

Associated Press contributed to this report.