Fall camp is on the horizon and it seems the Longhorns roster might not be entirely set. Texas could be adding, or re-adding, another offensive lineman to the mix before camp kicks off. Cole Hutson, four-year contributor for Texas up front, is filing an eligibility lawsuit against the NCAA. He’s using the “5 to play 5” rule that was passed early this summer as the centerpiece of his argument.
Cole Hutson has played in 48 games for Texas, making 23 starts. He played and started as a freshman and never utilized his redshirt. That means, he would be eligible under the “5 to play 5” rule, however players that already graduated were not included in the ruling.
According to the court filing, if Hutson wins his battle, he “has a roster position on the football team for the upcoming season”. So, Steve Sarkisian and Texas are prepared to welcome Hutson back into the program if he’s deemed eligible.
Hutson went undrafted during the NFL Draft and despite being invited to the Dallas Cowboys, never caught on at the next level. It’s unknown how that invite will impact this decision but based on the “age-based rules” passed this summer, he has a solid argument. The rule states players have five years from their enrollment in college where they are still eligible. This would be Hutson’s fifth year of eligibility, if cleared.
We will have to wait and see what the verdict is for Hutson. There are two questions we can attempt to answer now: 1. How would Hutson’s return impact the Longhorns and 2. Is this a sign of concern around the OL currently in Austin?
Let’s start with No. 1. Cole Hutson being on this team would do nothing but good for Texas. Whether it’s inserting him back into the starting lineup at LG or having him as an experienced backup at center and guard, he’ll help this team. The grouping with Robertson at C and Hutson at LG was the best version of the Texas OL last season. That unit, with the addition of Melvin Siani and Brandon Baker moving inside, is a formidable group.
As for question No. 2, that’s a more complicated one to answer. It’s clear, given Hutson’s assertion he has a roster spot waiting for him, Texas has been a part of this decision in some capacity. What we don’t know is if Texas initiated the action or Hutson did, and reached out to Sarkisian to see if returning was a possibility. Neither are out of the question, but the implications of each are very different. Regardless of the reason, Hutson returning to this OL would, without a doubt, make the unit better.
Hutson filed the lawsuit yesterday in Travis County, Texas, seeking a preliminary injunction. Similar cases have succeeded in the past but there’s seemingly little rhyme or reason to eligibility cases today. We’ll have to wait and see if Hutson will be back in burnt orange this season, but the wheels are in motion. If Hutson succeeds, it’s another reason for celebration around the football facilities and another option for an OL searching for options.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas OL looking to earn 5th year of eligibility, return to Longhorns
Reporting by Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
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By Tommy Bresee, Longhorns Wire | USA TODAY Network
