Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Big 12 Spring Football Review: Texas Tech


Mike Leach has some holes to fill in his offense and is trying to find those answers this spring. Graham Harrell and Chris Todd are in competition to replace departed quarterback Cody Hodges. Both are freshmen with Harrell having a redshirt and being the early favorite to win the position.

Looking to fill the hole at running back are three freshmen redshirt Shannon Woods and true freshmen Kobey Lewis and Pete Richardson. Even though they will all be sophomores next season they are still inexperienced. Woods is the only one who has game experience and it is limited.

The good news for the Red Raiders receiving corps is that they return senior Joe Filani. The bad news is that among the receivers with experience he stands alone. Other receivers making a push for playing time are sophomores-to-be Catron Houston, L.A. Reed and Grant Walker.

Youth will definitely be served on the machine known as the Texas Tech offense which may not lead to a great season in 06 but should bode well for the future.

The defense will have more age than the offense but will lack experience as well. Returning are seniors-to-be Chris Hudler who led the team in quarterback hurries and Dek Bake. Both are defensive tackles which could be the strength of the Red Raider defense.

Junior linebacker Paul Williams is turning heads this spring as is senior linebacker Kellen Tillman. In the secondary it’s sophomore safeties Anthony Hines and Jordy Rowland who are making the big plays.