Former OU starting quarterbacks now leading own C-USA programs
Published: 7/25/2012 4:14 PM
Last Modified: 7/25/2012 4:14 PM
Former Oklahoma starting quarterbacks Garrick McGee and Justin Fuente were at Conference USA Media Day in Dallas on Wednesday.
The ex-Sooners are now guiding their own programs as rookie head coaches. McGee is at UAB, while Fuente is guiding Memphis.
The relationship between the pair began when McGee was playing at Booker T. Washington. Fuente, a Union High School graduate, said he watched Hornets games involving McGee.
McGee remains to have ties to OU. Among his friends include current offensive line coach James Patton, defensive line coach Jackie Shipp and running backs coach Cale Gundy.
He’s also maintained a long friendship with Fuente, who was a redshirt freshman at OU during McGee’s senior season. That was 1995, Howard Schnellenberger’s only season as Oklahoma’s coach.
“Our friendship started when I was a veteran and he was a young quarterback,” McGee said.
Fuente remains appreciative of the leadership that McGee showed him at the time, even during some of the dark days of Sooner football.
“I don’t know if there’s a better example of an older guy treating a younger guy that well,” Fuente said. “He was a great influence and I’ll never forget him for that.
“Garrick’s senior year was a tough situation … that was my first year.”
Fuente only lasted two seasons after McGee left, transferring to Murray State to complete his career.
Written by
Eric Bailey
Sports Writer
