"That’s something we’re going to play by ear," Co-Defensive Coordinator Gene Chizik said Monday. "He’ll likely take snaps at both positions as we finish the year up. It will be a week-to-week thing. We’ll play him where we think he’ll most help the team."
Our Inside Scoop reported Friday that coaches believe Melton can be more productive at DE. The designated short-yardage and goal line back in 2005, Melton has relinquished that role to senior RB Selvin Young. Melton played defense "for a couple series" in Lubbock, Chizik said, or "just enough to give us a blow."
Several recruiting services projected Melton as a prototypical NFL defensive end prospect when Texas signed him in February 2005. Chizik praised Melton for his quickness off the ball.
"He runs really well for a big guy," Chizik added. "He has a lot of talent. You’ve got to have a lot of talent to play both running back and defensive end. Those two positions are on opposite sides of the spectrum."
Melton worked at DE during the first two weeks of spring football but then worked exclusively at RB during August camp. He resumed taking snaps at DE just last week. There was some buzz about Melton emerging as an every-down back heading into the season but the only time it materialized was when both RBs (Young, Jamaal Charles) missed the Sam Houston State game due to injury. Melton has 39 carries for 177 yards this season.