SMU head coach June Jones is eagerly awaiting former Texas quarterback Garrett Gilbert's arrival in Dallas. Back in Austin, Gilbert is making the extra effort to speed up the transfer process.

According to The Dallas Morning News, Gilbert is taking 27 credit hours at Texas this semester in order from graduate in May. Finishing his undergraduate degree allows the quarterback to enroll at SMU as a graduate student and compete for the Mustangs immediately.

Gilbert, who has two years of eligibility remaining, is taking nine classes (six traditional, three online) to finish his degree in sports management. He has not seen the field since undergoing surgery on his throwing shoulder last September.

The former Longhorn has visited Mustangs' spring practice, but will not be allowed to participate in team activities until he arrives in June.

For Mustangs fans, the commitment from Gilbert has to be a promising sign of things to come. Conner Preston and Stephen Kaiser have split most of the reps at quarterback during spring practice, but many believe that Gilbert will be able to thrive in Jones' Run and Shoot system. Gilbert will have one year of transition before guiding the Mustangs into their first year of Big East competition in 2013.

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