AUSTIN—The list of proven, dependable receivers at Texas reads like this: Quan Cosby, Jordan Shipley and ... OK, so it’s a short list.

Finding a third, fourth, fifth and maybe even a sixth reliable pass catcher for quarterback Colt McCoy is a top priority for coach Mack Brown during training camp.

“You’ve got two who have played and whole lot of other guys you’re looking at,” Brown said this week.

You have to go back several years to find a Texas team so lacking in proven receivers. McCoy has 51 career touchdown passes over the last two seasons because he had plenty of solid veterans who could find the end zone.

But gone this season is Texas High graduate Nate Jones of Texarkana, who had a team-high 70 catches last year. So is Limas Sweed, the big target who stretched defenses until he was injured midway through last season and is now with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

And athletic tight end Jermichael Finley surprised many when he skipped off to the NFL draft after his sophomore season.

That leaves Cosby and Shipley, both seniors, to carry the load.

Texas is counting on them to not only make plays, but to nurture the younger players through the mental rigors of the playbook and the season.

Cosby is the oldest player on the team at 25. He signed a baseball contract coming out of high school and spent a couple of years bouncing around the minor leagues before giving it up. He has 120 career receptions for 1,475 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s also the Longhorns’ best punt and kick returner

Shipley, a fifth-year senior, was one of the greatest receivers in Texas high school history, but has caught only 43 career passes after losing two seasons to serious injuries. Brown says he wants to petition the NCAA to get Shipley a sixth year of eligibility.