Tech under gun to plug holes on young defense
By Don Williams, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Texas | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
McElrath, a 6-foot-4, 312-pound defensive tackle, was on campus for spring practice, but Levi, Smith and Thorpe must learn on the fly as defensive line coach
The Red Raiders need to hit on at least two; heck, head coach
Things aren't nearly as murky for offensive line coach
"We'll do whatever we need to do to put the best five out there for our football team," Tech coach
Starting center
The next three weeks or so are big for young running backs
If the youngsters need more time, Kingsbury's said he'd be happy to move Williams back to offense.
As for wide-open competitions, coaches figure to sort through a lot of options this month at cornerback and punt-return specialist. Coming out of spring, they didn't really settle on anyone for one of the corner jobs, so sophomores La'Darius Newbold and
Touted freshman signee
In the punt-return game, senior slot receiver
"I think we'll have good competition," Kingsbury said. "Cameron has done it. Sadler's done it. Jordan wants to be it.
This much, we know
Tech's set at the most visible position. Sophomore
It's obvious now why Kingsbury fast-tracked Webb from the day he arrived.
"Just his approach to the game, first and foremost," Kingsbury said. "He's very talented, has probably the best arm I've been around. But just his approach to the game is as good as anybody I've ever been around."
The Red Raiders should be better up front with five linemen who were full-time starters and adequate depth.
"From what we can see, we've got 10 bodies we feel comfortable putting in the game," Kingsbury said, "which is a far cry from last year."
The Red Raiders hope they don't bog down as much as last year, but
The defense has questions galore, but at least has a starting point with experienced linebackers
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Projected lineup
Pos.
SE
Coach's son came on quickly.
IR Jakeem Grant Jr.
Now he's older, needs to lead.
LT
Is he ready for left tackle?
LG Alfredo Morales Jr.
Coaches praise his work ethic.
C
Coming off shoulder surgery.
RG Le'Raven Clark Jr.
Could turn pro early.
RT Reshod Fortenberry Sr.
Showed what he can do when healthy.
IR Bradley Marquez Sr.
Spent his summer on football.
FL
QB
He'd better be the real deal.
RB DeAndre Washington Jr.
Oh my gosh, they moved Kenny.
PK Ryan Bustin Sr.
Nine away from career FG record.
DE Branden Jackson Jr.
His time is coming.
NT Rika Levi Jr.
Run defense depends on him.
DT
Fully healthy, could surprise.
OLB Kenny Williams Sr.
Pass coverage the question.
MLB
Returning tackles leader.
WLB V.J. Fehoko Sr.
OLB Pete Robertson Jr.
Must deliver more than 21/2 sacks.
CB Justis Nelson So.
Can't afford sophomore slump.
SS
High-level player before injury.
FS
Fast, needs to be physical.
CB La'Darius Newbold So.
Has lacked polish, confidence.
P
Leg strength, check. Consistency?
Starters returning
(Minimum seven starts in 2013)
Offense: 7 (Clark, A. Morales, Kaster,
Defense: 3 (Jackson, Robertson, Eguavoen)
Specialists: 1 (Bustin)
Waiting in the wings
In 2013: Caught 33 passes for 669 yards and six TDs at
2014 outlook: Tech's most heralded signee two years ago, Lauderdale teams with
In 2013: Made the travel squad as insurance at guard, but the Red Raiders managed to redshirt him.
2014 outlook: He's behind
In 2013: Suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in preseason practice, but started to knock the rust off in bowl and spring practices.
2014 outlook: Defensive coaches have been captivated by his talent since he signed. He's an option behind
Don't look now
Tech coach
The Red Raiders' only off day during camp time is
This is different
The identity of
It's about time
Fortenberry finally put it all behind him last fall and became a solid 13-game starter. And now he's back for more after the Big 12 restored the season he lost in 2012.
The key guy
Defensive end
Outlook
Tech's continuity at defensive coordinator is a first for the program since the 2008-09 seasons. Even so, the return of
20 Number of times
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