V Young to work out today.

[Randall]

Texans to take a closer look at Young

 

By JOHN McCLAIN

Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

 

AUSTIN — Although it is just another step in the evaluation process leading to the April 29-30 NFL draft, pro day at the University of Texas is quarterback Vince Young's coming-out party.

 

 

The Texans have the first pick in the draft, and they'll be well-represented today when the Longhorns' draft-eligible prospects work out for general managers, coaches, scouts, media and a few owners.

 

The Texans are expected to take Southern California running back Reggie Bush, but they continue to insist they haven't made that decision because the scouting process is ongoing. That's why so many important members of the organization, including owner Bob McNair, will watch Young work out today. McNair also will attend USC's pro day April 2.

 

"I'm excited to watch Vince throw because he's a really talented young man, but the Longhorns have a lot of other good prospects, too," McNair said. "I'm looking forward to watching all of them."

 

McNair and his righthand man, son Cal, will lead the Houston contingent of scouts and coaches, including general manager Charley Casserly, coach Gary Kubiak, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Troy Calhoun and assistant head coach/offense Mike Sherman.

 

"Since Vince didn't participate in the drills at the combine, this is our first chance to see him since the Rose Bowl," McNair said. "I can listen to the coaches and scouts tell me about Vince. I can watch him on film, too, but I still like to watch him work out. "We plan to bring Vince and Reggie to Houston, too, so we can meet with them."

 

Young led the Longhorns to the national championship by defeating USC in the Rose Bowl. The Longhorns are loaded with terrific prospects such as cornerback Michael Huff, defensive tackle Rodrique Wright, offensive tackle Jonathan Scott, cornerback Cedric Griffin and tight end David Thomas. But Young is the player everyone wants to see."I expect to see a heck of a workout," Kubiak said. "Vince is a great kid. I got to spend some time with him at the combine, and he's just a wonderful guy to be around."

 

When Kubiak played quarterback at Texas A&M, his quarterbacks coach was Greg Davis, who is the Longhorns' offensive coordinator. They remain close.

 

Asked what Davis told him about Young, Kubiak smiled and said, "A lot of great things, naturally."

 

Although he didn't work out at the combine, Young was caught in a controversy. Word leaked — erroneously as it turned out — that he scored a six on his Wonderlic test.

 

"Hey, it's how the kid plays the game," Kubiak said. "Greg Davis said Vince was a great kid who's very coachable. Greg feels like Vince is just getting started as far as reaching his full potential as a quarterback."

 

Because Young played in the shotgun in college, scouts want to see him take snaps and drop back. He's been working with former NFL offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Jerry Rhome to prepare.

 

Casserly has been in charge of the draft since the Texans' inception. He worked closely with former coach Dom Capers, and he'll work closely with Kubiak.

 

Casserly's first pick was quarterback David Carr, who has been spending a lot of time with Kubiak and Calhoun.

 

"They haven't said anything about the draft to me," Carr said.

 

The safest thing for the Texans to do will be to select Bush, who should make an immediate impact on a team that was 2-14 last season. Young's impact should take longer because of the demands of the position..

 

Carr was asked how much better the Texans would be this season if they select Bush.

 

"I don't think that there's any reason he wouldn't help our team," Carr said. "With a guy like that, you can do so many things. If he's who we take, as far as the matchups and the things he can do in this offense, he can definitely help us."

[CaptainHook]

Are they going to ask him any Wonderlic questions?