LaQuan McGowan practices at TE

It's hard enough trying to get around the guy to reach the quarterback, but how do you stop somebody who's 6-foot-7 and 410 pounds from catching passes?

That might be the task for opponents of the Baylor Bears next season, as they haveLaQuan McGowan practicing at tight end and at H-back during spring practices.

He's even wearing a No. 80 jersey.

"We're looking at him as kind of a slot- and tight end-type of guy," Baylor coach Art Briles told reporters Tuesday. "He can certainly help us in the run game in those situations. The way we're looking at it is we've got three games in nonconference to kind of feel it out and see what he can do and teach him what to do in live action."

McGowan, who normally lined up at guard last season, proved he could handle the task during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, when he snagged an 18-yard touchdown pass from Bryce Petty during the Bears' 42-41 loss to Michigan State.

"His hands are about as big as my leg, so I can pretty much put it wherever, and he can snag it out of the air," quarterback Seth Russell told reporters.

Opponents aren't the only ones who have to be cautious around the big fella.

"The hardest thing is practicing with him, because we don't want to get anyone injured," Briles said.