Fitsum’s oral surgery went well and he’s doing well, but I’m up against it again this morning as I need to get in 8 miles and have Youssouf at football practice at 6:30 am, so I have to get moving.

On the Court

Meet Kevin Overton #TTW

He’s extremely versatile. #DefineYourself | @GodlyKO_10 pic.twitter.com/svXOAnhDyT

— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) August 15, 2024

Meet Federiko Federiko #TTW

He hunts for extra possessions. #DefineYourself | @Federiko_F pic.twitter.com/jnBFPBaWvM

— Texas Tech Basketball (@TexasTechMBB) August 13, 2024

On the Pitch

Texas Tech soccer did not have a happy outing in Happy Valley, losing 4-0, all of those goals scored in the first half. The Nittany Lions are 4th in the nation and Texas Tech found out that their star midfielder Sam Courtwright was lost for the year earlier in the week, so adjustments are bound to happen.

On the Gridiron

Defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter ChatGPT Summary.

– **Communication Process**: Texas Tech will use a mix of headsets and hand signals for communication, with backup plans in case of issues like static or crowd noise. If one team has communication problems, the other team is unaffected by the rule.

– **Defensive Improvements**: Coach DeRuyter highlighted improvements in defensive line play, emphasizing better push in the middle and more aggressive play. Key players like Quincy Ledet, Jaden Cofield, and Bralyn Rigsby are expected to contribute significantly.

– **Player Development**: Defensive backs Brendan Jordan and AJ bring different strengths, with Brendan being more physical and AJ quicker. The depth in the defensive backfield and the development of younger players like Justin Horne and Macho Stevenson are noted.

– **Defensive End Depth**: Despite losing Dylan Spencer, the defensive end position remains strong with players like Amir Washington and Isaac Smith stepping up. The team feels solid with their current depth and has a mix of experienced and emerging talent.

– **Young Players and Scrimmage Focus**: Freshmen defensive backs are showing promise, with standout performances from players like Peyton Morgan and Boss Collins. The upcoming scrimmage will focus on consistency and detail, especially in run defense and gap responsibility.

Offensive coordinator Zach Kittley ChatGPT summary:

– **Quarterback Performance**: Coach Zach Kittley praised Behren Morton’s performance, highlighting his impressive camp with only one interception in 150-160 throws. Morton has shown strong leadership and decision-making both on and off the field.

– **Run Schemes**: The team is experimenting with various run schemes, including Gap and Outside Zone runs, adapting to the offensive line’s improved lateral movement.

– **Quarterback Rotation**: For the upcoming scrimmage, Behren Morton will start with the first team, followed by Cam Brown, Will Hammond, and Jake Strong, though exact rep distribution is still being determined.

– **Cam Brown’s Role**: Cam Brown will be involved in the quarterback run game, adding versatility to the offense. He’s expected to run and pass effectively, adding a unique dimension to the team’s play-calling.

– **Offensive Line and Position Battles**: The offensive line is still being evaluated with multiple players rotating through different positions. Coach Kittley plans to finalize the starting lineup before game week, aiming for the best combination of players and chemistry.

ESPN ranked the top 100 players and RB Tahj Brooks hits at No. 37:

Brooks opted to return for his senior year with an eye on becoming the Red Raiders’ all-time leading rusher. Though he’s seventh on the school rushing list with 3,052 yards, he’s only 1,167 yards behind No. 1, Byron Hanspard. Last year, Texas Tech leaned on Brooks in conference play, where he averaged 25.7 carries and 130.6 yards per game in the Big 12.

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg has players that could break out in 2024 and OLB Isaac Smith made this list:

2023 stats: Missed season with foot injury. Recorded 14 tackles, 3 for loss and 1 sack in 2022

ESPN recruiting snapshot: Three stars, No. 112 defense end, No. 20 in Oklahoma

Smith was pegged for big things in 2023 before an ACL tear in the preseason sidelined him for the season. He started the final two games of his redshirt freshman season in 2022, recording 11 tackles and three tackles for loss, including a sack in the Texas Bowl win against Ole Miss. At 6-foot-6, Smith stands out among the Red Raiders’ linebackers and linemen, and he gives coordinator Tim DeRuyter another piece to attack opposing quarterbacks.

Coach’s take: “I thought we had a really deep room, the outside linebackers and defensive ends, but I didn’t realize how much we’re going to miss his toughness,” Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire told ESPN. “I was talking to our strength coach and he says, ‘Man, people are going to look up Week 1 and say, there’s No. 17 again.’ I think Isaac’s got a chance to make a big impact on this defense.”