Former Longhorn Garrett Gilbert Transferring To SMU in January, Eligible In 2013

The former Texas Longhorns starting quarterback will begin classes at SMU this-coming January, but won't be eligible to play football until January of 2013, according to Kate Hairopoulos of the Dallas Morning News.

According to Hairopoulos, Gilbert will also need to get a waiver in order to gain another year of eligibility and SMU is alright with that. SMU is currently one of the teams that is rumored to be headed to the Big East conference as the Big East looks to expand after losing Syracuse, Pittsburgh and West Virginia. There will be some major changes to the SMU football program over the next few months.

Gilbert fell out of favor with the Longhorns after losing his starting job to Case McCoy and David Ash early in the season. But heading to SMU and playing for former Hawaii head coach June Jones should be beneficial to Gilbert moving forward in his career.

For more information and coverage on the Horns visit Burnt Orange Nation.

Garrett Gilbert Visits SMU

According to the Dallas Morning News, former University of Texas QB Garrett Gilbert visited SMU's football practice today. After being benched against BYU and losing the starting job, Gilbert recently announced that he would transfer from Texas.

Gilbert, a 6'4 220 QB, never lived up to the incredibly high expectations that were lavished on him as a high school recruit. In three years at Texas, he passed for 3,300 yards and threw 13 TD's to 23 INT's. 

However, getting him into the fold would still be a massive coup for SMU. Gilbert, a former five-star recruit and the Gatorade National Player in high school, would be the highest profile player to come to SMU in nearly a generation.

Mustangs head coach June Jones is widely known as a passing guru. Their current starting QB, J.J. McDermott, is a senior who transferred from New Mexico State.

Gilbert, because he injured his shoulder in the Longhorns second game, is eligible for a medical hardship and could have two years of eligibility wherever he ends up. 

Texas Coach Mack Brown On Garrett Gilbert Transferring, 'I Can't Thank Him Enough For Hanging In There'

The University of Texas head football coach Mack Brown had nothing but positive things to say about Garrett Gilbert and his decision to continue his career at another school. via ESPN.com

"I can't thank him enough for hanging in there, helping the younger guys and being a great team guy even after he hurt his shoulder," Brown said. "Whatever school he decides to go to will get a guy who will work as hard as anyone and compete both on the field and in the classroom."

Gilbert fell out of favor as the starting quarterback for the Longhorns after a two-interception performance in the first half of Texas 17-16 win over BYU. Gilbert was reportedly trying to play through a shoulder injury that he suffered in the season-opener against Rice, but just one week later had to have season-ending surgery on the shoulder.

But despite the short, but rocky season for Gilbert in Austin, he is looking for a fresh start at a new school. via ESPN.com

I can't thank all of my teammates and everyone at Texas enough for all of their support, but I just think I'm at a point in my life where I need a fresh start."

Texas Longhorns' QB Garrett Gilbert To Transfer

Garrett Gilbert is leaving Texas and will have two years remaining of eligibility once he decides on a school.