We’re back on it for another position preview, this time, we’re looking at the running backs and the tight ends, both positions that aren’t very deep, which is why they are grouped together.
Previous Position Previews: Secondary | Defensive Line | Linebackers | Offensive Line | Receivers
Running Backs
This is a short list. Real short list. With Ta’Zhawn Henry transferring, then there is one returning and recruited scholarship running back returning.
Returners
| # | FULL NAME | POS. | HT. / WT. | YEAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | Thompson, SaRodorick | RB | 6-0/210 | So. |
Thompson was the lead running back, by far. Thompson carried the ball 160 times, compared to 75 for Henry. Despite not being your typical scatback type, Thompson averaged 4.78 yards a carry, compared to 4.53 to Henry. Thompson was also a touchdown machine, 12 touchdowns for the year. It seems a given that Thompson will be the main running back all year.
Walk On’s
| # | FULL NAME | POS. | HT. / WT. | YEAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | Welch, Jax | RB | 5-9/185 | Sr. |
| 42 | Nwabuko III, Chux | RB | 5-6/150 | So. |
| 14 | White, Xavier | RB | 5-11/185 | So. |
| 29 | Jimerson, Kendell | RB | 5-10/170 | So. |
| 33 | Hart, Ronnie | RB | 6-0/225 | So. |
| 40 | Killian, Connor | FB | 6-2/240 | Sr. |
Let’s get to know these guys: I know that Welch is technically on scholarship, but he was a walk-on who earned that spot and will be a senior this year, Welch is originally from Odessa . . . Nwabuko was primarily a punt returner and I would expect that to continue. Only one carry for the year . . . at the beginning of the spring, I can almost guarantee that I read that White had been moved to running back because there was no depth there. White had a terrific year to start the year, but an injury after four games kept him out for the year. White is originally from Lubbock and played at Monterey . . . Jimerson was not on the roster when I first started this, but his bio says that he was on the travel roster last year and made the journey to Austin. Jimerson played defensive back at Rockwall . . . Hart was also not on the roster then I first started this project. Hart played at Cisco last year and those stats say that he gained 88 yards on 11 carries, but sometimes JUCO stats aren’t totally accurate . . . Killian is the lone fullback on the roster and will be a senior, originally from Keller . . .
Incoming Freshmen
| # | FULL NAME | POS. | HT. / WT. | YEAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks, Tahj | RB | 5-11/212 | Fr. |
It’s Brooks and more Brooks. I really liked Brooks video leading up to his commitment and he was really productive, 1,201 yards as a senior on 149 carries for 8 yards a carry, plus 21 rushing touchdowns. Brooks nearly replicated that as a junior, so he’s shown to be very durable.
Tight Ends
Returners
| # | FULL NAME | POS. | HT. / WT. | YEAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Koontz, Travis | TE | 6-5/245 | Sr. |
| 88 | Gonzalez, Simon | TE | 6-4/235 | R-Fr. |
A bit misleading here. When we last left off in the spring, Gonzalez was suspended from the team without really any explanation. Kind of needed that depth if Texas Tech is going to roll out in 11 personnel for 95% of the snaps. I’m not sure how this gets worked out if Koontz gets injured, but this is it. Last year, Donta Thompson was very productive, catching 26 passes for 311 yards and nearly 12 yards a catch. That production needs to be replaced. Koontz had 10 catches for 152 yards, so I think he’ll fill in nicely and is liable to be a better blocker. We don’t know anything about Gonzalez other than what he did in high school.
Walk On’s
| # | FULL NAME | POS. | HT. / WT. | YEAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | Pace, Jackson | TE | 6-2/215 | Jr. |
| 49 | Baggett, Jackson | TE | 6-3/200 | R-Fr. |
Pace played at Kilgore JUCO last year and is originally from Pleasant Grove in Texarkana . . . Baggett is a redshirt freshman from Bushland . . .
Incoming Freshmen
| # | FULL NAME | POS. | HT. / WT. | YEAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holcomb, John | TE | 6-5/215 | Fr. |
Holcomb is the lone incoming freshman and I dont know how much Holcomb would be able to play given his size. REally, all of the options other than Koontz lack size so I don’t know what would happen if Koontz went down. I’d have to think that the team would pivot to 10 personnel, but I really don’t know. It would seem that Killian would maybe be the next best option because he can block, or has the size to block.