The Texas Tech football team was last seen three months ago celebrating a 34-14 victory over California in the Independence Bowl. Quarterback Behren Morton and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who won the game's outstanding offensive and defensive player awards, are still with the Red Raiders. So does Doak Walker Award semifinalist Taj Brooks, who has received encouragement from NIL.
However, the team composition will change significantly.
As the Red Raiders prepare to begin spring practice on Tuesday, seven offensive players and eight defensive players who started more than half of their games in 2023 are gone. Therefore, many points of contention remain.
Here are seven players who have the potential to play an active role this spring. All of them have built the foundations of their careers as returnees, and although they have never been starters for the Red Raiders for an extended period of time, they seem capable.
Cornerback Maurion Horn, yeah.
The 2024 season will be Horn's third year with the program. The Broken Arrow, Okla., native was the highest-rated signee in Texas Tech's 2022 class, but was outplayed by productive veteran cornerbacks Malik Dunlap and Rayshad Williams in his first two years. It hindered my playing time.
The latter both qualified last season. One of the hiring numbers will go to Bralynn Lux, who started eight games. The horn must have an inside track to the opponent.
Related: Texas Tech football: 5 questions as Red Raiders prepare for spring practice
Delay swap: Texas Tech football adds opponent to 2025 schedule with big game guarantee
Offensive tackle Ty Buchanan Jr.
With Monroe Mills on the move and Caleb Rodgers ticketed to move internally, Tech is currently putting up signs recruiting tackles. The Red Raiders acquired Sterling Porcher, who started 25 games at Middle Tennessee State University, and coveted junior college signee Maurice Rodricks.
But Buchanan shouldn't give up an inch. He has gained some credibility over the past two seasons, appearing in 13 games and starting two. He's athletic and he spent three years in the college weight room, so now he has to assert himself.
Related: Texas Tech football makes super high tackle on Maurice Rodriques on signing day
Related: Texas Tech football lineman Caleb Rodgers thinks his future will revolve around
Defensive tackle Duda Banks Jr.
Longtime starting defensive tackles Jaylon Hutchings and Tony Bradford qualified. Given Hutchings and Bradford's high reputations on and off the field, potential replacements for them will face intense scrutiny. That's certainly true of Banks, whose 6-foot-5, 305-pound frame has long made him a dream player.
The Wichita Falls Rider product had a promising performance in the Texas Bowl two years ago and made headlines in 2023, appearing in nine games.
Related: Red Raiders' young defensive tackle's comfort level increases
At the clock: Answers to trending topics: Will the Texas Tech football project be completed on time?
Defensive end Dylan Spencer, Thor.
Technical coaches decided Spencer was simply talented and ready to redshirt as a freshman. The 6-5, 250-pound edge player from Houston King appeared in eight games as a backup to field end Myles Cole and was credited with just four tackles. But don't get me wrong. He may have the highest ceiling of any player on this list.
Competition for defensive line positions at tech companies is expected to be fierce with six qualified candidates, but Spencer will play a key role regardless. right.
Early last season, defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter said he envisioned Spencer being a “very strong asset for us as an edge player, both in the run game and in the passing game.”
Related: How Mike Dingle and Dylan Spencer stand out among Texas Tech football freshmen
Kirby Hocutt: “A new model is coming”: How will Texas Tech deal with changes proposed by NCAA President Charlie Baker?
Wide receiver Brady Boyd Jr.
Boyd was a primary target of Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers during his time at Southlake Carroll, appearing in 21 games in his first two years in college, including one each at the University of Minnesota and Texas Tech. Participated. Joey McGuire stuck with his plan to redshirt Boyd last season, limiting him to four games. He still started in the final regular season game at Texas and played in the bowl against California.
Boyd may be overlooked by some as he will be largely invisible in 2023 and Tech's high-profile receivers will be added in the mid-term. But he won't be around Tech coaches who appreciate his hands and ability to play across formations.
Related: Boyd begins next chapter with familiar coach
The NCAA Annual Financial Report states: Texas Tech University Athletics reported record revenue of $146.8 million in fiscal year 2023
Wide receiver Dre McCray Sr.
A nearly 2,000-yard receiver in his two years at Austin Peay, McCray only partially lived up to the lofty expectations fans had in his debut season at Texas Tech. McCray's kickoff return average of 27.6 yards was ninth in the FBS, but he finished with 29 catches for 255 yards and two touchdowns.
However, for players who level up, it's not uncommon for them to struggle initially and then take a leap in their second year. McCray has the tools. He had his trademark kickoff return touchdown against Houston, a 31-yard catch against Oregon, a 44-yard touchdown on a deep ball against TCU, and a 55-yard kick return against Texas. He showed speed.
Related: Dreaming of Drae: Red Raiders imagine how to use new speed receiver.
Free safety Chapman Lewis, Thor.
Lewis needs to do the same thing this spring as he did last spring, when he came in as the top backup to Dadrion Taylor-Demerson. With Taylor-Demerson leaving, Lewis, who played in 12 games last season, could be ready to take over full-time.
He could compete with the athletic 6-3, 210-pound Marcus Ramon Edwards, a redshirt freshman from Trinity Christian University.
Related: Three young Texas Tech football newcomers waste no time making their mark.
This article originally appeared in the Lubock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech football: 7 players participating in spring practice
