As spring football begins across the state, we’re examining the big questions for each program as they begin their set of 15 offseason practices.
Next up: Texas Tech.
1. Who's the quarterback? Nic Shimonek was a suitable stop gap between Pat Mahomes and the future, but the Quarterback Whisperer has his first real offseason quarterback competition since Baker Mayfield, Michael Brewer and Davis Webb were all jockeying to be his starter way back in 2013. All-Name Teamer McLane Carter, who was benched in the Red Raiders' season-saving win at Texas, is facing off against Jett Duffey, the nation's No. 14 quarterback in the 2016 class. Duffey was suspended from the university for a year following an incident of sexual misconduct. He's back on the field, and both quarterbacks have the luxury of an offensive line that returns all five starters. That unit will include two seniors, two juniors and guard Jack Anderson, the biggest standout from last year's recruiting class. However, there's a whole lot of new faces at skill positions. About that...
2. Who's catching all these passes? It's a question for which you expect Texas Tech to have an easy answer. Since 2012, the Red Raiders have had nine receivers with at least 890 receiving yards in a season. It happens when you throw it as much as Tech does and have consistently great play at quarterback. Dylan Cantrell, Keke Coutee and Cam Batson are all gone, leaving sophomore downfield threat T.J. Vasher (29 rec, 545 yards, 6 TDs) as the leading returning receiver. Derrick Willies and running back Justin Stockton are also gone, meaning 268 receptions and 3,271 receiving yards are gone from last year's roster. Only three FBS teams lost more offensive production, and two of Tech's top three running backs return. The Red Raiders have a load of seniors in Zach Austin, Ja’Deion High, De’Quan Bowman and Jojo Robinson on the roster, but look for 6-5 junior target Antonie Wesley and Quan Shorts to get more looks this spring. There is more opportunity for receivers to emerge in Lubbock than any program in America. Among newcomers, 6-4 freshman Myller Royals could emerge early. We'll learn a lot about the offense in the spring.
3. Is this the year the defense breaks through? All the pieces are there for the Red Raiders to make the leap defensively the program has been waiting on for at least a decade. At times, it's felt impossible for Texas Tech to field a coherent defense. But this year, 10 starters return. Nose tackle Mych Thomas is the only player gone from last year's unit, and 20 of the 22 players in last year's defensive depth chart return. There's as much continuity on the defense in Lubbock than on any unit in the country. Plus, coordinator David Gibbs is back for an unprecedented (seriously) fourth season running the Red Raiders' defense. Last year, Tech jumped from 126th nationally in yards per play to 77th. If that progress continues, expect it to pay off in the win-loss column. We'll get a sense of how good this defense could be in Tech's three public scrimmages. The first is March 24 in Midland, followed by an April 7 game in Frisco and the final spring game April 14 in Lubbock.
4. Who steps up on the defensive line? Rice graduate transfer Preston Gordon should be in good position to replace Mych Thomas at nose tackle when he arrives in the fall, but for now Nick McCann and Joseph Wallace will have opportunities to prove themselves. The Red Raiders finished 2017 with just 18 sacks, 109th nationally. Opponents completed 63 percent of their passes, good for 105th nationally. An improved pass rush can change that. Around the vacated nose tackle spot, Eli Howard and Tony Jones need to show improvement in the spring off the edge. They'll have a challenge with an experienced offensive line across from them every day.
More big questions for spring football:
This article is available to our Digital Subscribers.
Click "Subscribe Now" to see a list of subscription offers.
Already a Subscriber? Sign In to access this content.
Don't Miss Any Exclusive Coverage!