SMU starting quarterback Garrett Gilbert's career has been an uneven one, which is reflected in an so-so first season with the Mustangs.

Gilbert was once one of the most promising high school quarterbacks in the country. In 2008, both USA Today and Gatorade named him national player of the year, which led to his recruitment by the Texas Longhorns.

Thrust into the spotlight when Colt McCoy went down with an injury in the 2010 BCS title game against Alabama, Gilbert led the Longhorns to two scoring drives in a comeback attempt that fell short. He threw four picks, but many thought his numbers didn't reflect how well he played and that Texas had found its next star behind center.

However, Gilbert never delivered. As the starter, Gilbert led Texas to a disappointing 5-7 record in the 2010 season and lost his starting job early in 2011. He was granted his released and transferred to SMU, where this year he's led the Mustangs to a 3-4 record. He's completed only 50.8 percent of his passes for 1,658 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He's coming off perhaps his best start of the year, a 72-42 win over Houston in which he threw for 265 yards and four touchdowns.

Still a junior, Gilbert looks to continue to resuscitate his once-promising career with the Mustangs this weekend against Memphis at home Saturday at 2 p.m.

Story courtesy of SB Nation/Kevin Jeffers