By Charles McClure
news@ltview.com
Garrett Gilbert and Paden Kelly probably aren’t thinking about college right now, and that is as it should be. However, with both of them committed to Texas, the Longhorns have plenty to look forward to. But when these two get to UT, my guess is they will find a lot of help from a running back who comes from the tiny East Texas hamlet of Madisonville. Boys, meet Chris Whaley.
I was the publisher in Madisonville before coming to the Lake Travis View three years ago. My editor wasn’t much of a sports writer, so I did much of the heavy lifting during football season. That’s were I first saw Chris Whaley, a 6 foot 3 inch freshman running back with the Madisonville Mustangs.
Not since I saw Earl Campbell when he was in high school had I been so bowled over by a tailback — yes, he was that good. Chris carried the offense and his brother Alonzo took the defense on his back.

Even as a freshman, Chris was simply too gifted to play on the junior varsity. He has it all — size, speed, but best of all, like most great backs, he has vision. Chris seems to know where everyone is on the defense at all times. He can run right over you or run right past you. It doesn’t matter, if there is an opening, the kid will follow daylight all the way to the end zone.
Even when I first arrived at the Lake Travis View, I told anyone and everyone who would listen that I had seen one of the truly great runners to ever play Texas high school football.
The following fall, I saw Garrett Gilbert for the first time during his sophmore season. Like everyone else, it was clear this was yet another special player — arguably the best high school quarterback ever. But Chris NEVER had anyone like Kelly to open holes for him.
That didn’t stop Chris from breaking every running record the school had. The fact was that Madisonville was not an overly talented team, unlike the great group that was developing before our eyes at Lake Travis.
I hate to sound like a homer, but I confess to having spent a few years on the staff of the Daily Texan back in the day and I might, possibly, bleed orange. So I was pumped to hear that Gilbert and Kelly were committing to Texas. But when I learned that UT had tapped Chris as well, I knew then that we are in for some very good times down at the 40 Acres. I was just sorry to see Alonzo slip away to Nebraska. I believe he also has world class talent and will be one of the best linebackers in the nation before his collegiate career is over.
Since his arrival at UT, Mack Brown has proven he is one of the best recruiters in the nation. The coach has proven that he has an eye for talent, particularly when culling through smaller schools. Colt McCoy is proof of that and Chris Whaley should prove further comfirmation.
But best of all, these three incoming freshman for UT are fine young men. They are very bright kids and will all bring character to the table in addition to incredible talent. Put them together and the Longhorns will have the genesis for what I believe will be its best offense ever, barring any unforeseen issues. We know Kelly can block. We know Gilbert can throw (and move in and out of the pocket). And I know Chris can run. Put it all together and as long as UT has someone who can nail the extra point, we have the makings of what I believe could be the Longhorns’ best freshman class ever.
So Garrett and Paden, when you get to college, look up Chris and tell him I sent you. At the very least, the three of you should be fast friends.
Like I said, I have seen the future of UT football, and lo, it is good.