Longhorns open spring practice

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Texas Longhorns are starting spring practice with coach Mack Brown still not publicly committing to a starting quarterback for 2012.

Just about everything points to sophomore David Ash after he started in the team's Holiday Bowl win and played the entire game. But Brown said Thursday the Longhorns are still trying to develop both Ash and Case McCoy.

As usual, Texas won't release a depth chart until fall. Both quarterbacks started games in 2011 and both struggled as the Longhorns went 8-5.

Brown says improving the passing game will make the difference whether Texas can once again play for a Big 12 title and challenge for the national championship.

Meanwhile, will honor former Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams with a statue at the football stadium that be unveiled at the Longhorns' annual spring game on April 1.

The 8-foot, 1,000-pound bronze figure will stand next to a statue of Earl Campbell, another former Longhorn Heisman winner.

Williams won the Heisman in 1998 and finished his Longhorns career as the NCAA career rushing leader. He recently retired from the NFL. The Longhorns retired William's No. 34 jersey in 2000.