As SMU prepares for Saturday's clash with Texas State, the Austin American-Statesman is reporting that four Texas State players will not suit up for the season opener.
According to the Statesman's Keff Ciardello, quarterback Tyler Vitt, safety Tory Spears and tight ends Seth Caillouet and Jackson Lanam are expected to miss Saturday's game. Ciardello reported that none of the athletes have been publicly declared COVID-19 positive, but they are in quarantine after contact tracing.
Ciardello added that Vitt, Caillouet and Lanam all are roommates.
This is something of a blow for Texas State, as Vitt, a junior, was a key backup quarterback who played in nine games last season and started seven. He completed all three of his pass attempts for 40 yards and a touchdown in last year's 47-17 loss to SMU.
Vitt and junior Jaylen Gipson were expected to battle for the No. 2 quarterback spot, as Memphis transfer Brady McBride earned the nod to start Saturday. Vitt led Texas State in passing in 2019, throwing for 1,590 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Caillouet, a sophomore, played in nine games and started one in 2019. He caught four passes for 37 yards and was used primarily on special teams. Lanam, also a sophomore, only saw action in one game last season.
To add, Texas State's depth chart for Saturday doesn't feature a tight end. The Bobcats are expected to line up with four wide receivers.
Defensively, Spears was expected to help a young Texas State unit that . A sophomore transfer from Iowa State, Spears is the son of former NFL offensive tackle Marcus Spears, who played for the Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans.
SMU and Texas State will play on a nationally televised stage on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
According to the Statesman's Keff Ciardello, quarterback Tyler Vitt, safety Tory Spears and tight ends Seth Caillouet and Jackson Lanam are expected to miss Saturday's game. Ciardello reported that none of the athletes have been publicly declared COVID-19 positive, but they are in quarantine after contact tracing.
Ciardello added that Vitt, Caillouet and Lanam all are roommates.
This is something of a blow for Texas State, as Vitt, a junior, was a key backup quarterback who played in nine games last season and started seven. He completed all three of his pass attempts for 40 yards and a touchdown in last year's 47-17 loss to SMU.
Vitt and junior Jaylen Gipson were expected to battle for the No. 2 quarterback spot, as Memphis transfer Brady McBride earned the nod to start Saturday. Vitt led Texas State in passing in 2019, throwing for 1,590 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Caillouet, a sophomore, played in nine games and started one in 2019. He caught four passes for 37 yards and was used primarily on special teams. Lanam, also a sophomore, only saw action in one game last season.
To add, Texas State's depth chart for Saturday doesn't feature a tight end. The Bobcats are expected to line up with four wide receivers.
Defensively, Spears was expected to help a young Texas State unit that . A sophomore transfer from Iowa State, Spears is the son of former NFL offensive tackle Marcus Spears, who played for the Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans.
SMU and Texas State will play on a nationally televised stage on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
