2013 Texas Tech Football Preview by Craig Martin

Good to be

King 2013 Texas Tech

All eyes are on former quarterback, academic all-American to become first Red Raider to take the helm of his former team.

Red Raiders Football Preview

Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

August 29, 2013

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Texas Tech football Preview

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Contents Firing Up the D 4 Wallerstedt tries to halt revolving door of defensive coordinators King’s Calling 8 Coaching wasn’t his first choice, but now Kingsbury’s back home Home Turf 12 Raiders try to revive their Jones AT&T Stadium advantage Six Red Raider Newcomers to Watch 15 How Texas Tech’s 2013 signees could help out this year The A-J’s Preseason all-Big 12 Offensive Team 16 The A-J’s Preseason all-Big 12 Defensive Team 17 Forecasting the Big 12 Order of Finish 18, 19 Tech Player Spotlight 20 Ryan Bustin made 17 FGs last year, but can Kingsbury use a kicker? Going Deeper into the Depth Chart 21 Dartwan Bush, DeAndre Washington are shooting for big seasons Red Raiders Depth Chart 22 A look at the two-deep Texas Tech Roster 23 Tech Topics 24 Members of the A-J staff answer key questions about the team Tech schedule 26 Big 12 schedules 27

Editor’s Note:

The Texas Tech football preview issue was produced a week in advance of the publication date. Any personnel developments such as injuries or depth chart changes that occurred in the past week could not be reflected in the following pages. For updates, visit redraiders.com.

On the Cover Texas Tech and Dennell Wesley open their 2013 campaign against SMU in Dallas. Stphen Spillman  A-j media

Kliff Kingsbury is the first Texas Tech head coach to lead his alma mater. Kingsbury has had a whirlwind offseason, bringing excitement to Texas Tech, Lubbock and Red Raiders players and fans.

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Texas Tech Football Preview

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Firing up the

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Texas Tech Matt Wallerstedt, left, will be the Red Raiders’ fifth defensive coordinator in five seasons.

Wallerstedt is Red Raiders’ fifth defensive coordinator in five seasons BY DON WILLIAMS a-j media

Matt Wallerstedt had never seen a reception quite like the one to which he was treated on his first trip to Texas Tech. For the Red Raiders’ season opener in 1986, Wallerstedt was the opponent, playing for Kansas State a few years before Bill Snyder started the Wildcats’ ascent. The K-State traveling party flew down to Lubbock the day of the game, and Tech’s Saddle Tramps spirit group did its traditional welcome. “I remember coming off the plane,” Wallerstedt said recently. “They rolled out a red carpet — the band, the cheerleaders and the greeting party that we got. I thought that was kind of unique and kind of cool.”

Now it’s 27 years later, and Red Raiders everywhere would love to replace Wallerstedt’s ceremonial embrace with a real one. All he has to do is throw some spikes under the tires of Big 12 Conference offenses. That’s hard to achieve anywhere in the league, let alone in Lubbock. Wallerstedt is the fourth Tech defensive coordinator to give it a try since the Mike Leach coaching staff dissolved after the 2009 season. This is the 47-year-old coach’s 10th career stop, his fourth as a defensive coordinator. No one needs to tell him how quickly the welcome carpet can be rolled back up. “I’ve been in it long enough, I’ve been in several of these honeymoon

situations where you go in on the front end and everybody’s excited,” Wallerstedt said. “Obviously, you’ve got to produce. It’s a very fluid profession. If you don’t win and you don’t produce, then you uproot.” Wallerstedt is used to uprooting, being the son of an Air Force fighter pilot. He was born in Michigan, his sister in Laredo, his brother near Seattle. He’s lived in Missouri, Florida, Spain and South Carolina. His father, when his career was winding down, took a job at Fort Riley near Manhattan, Kan. That’s how Wallerstedt wound up a Manhattan High student and a Kansas State linebacker from 1984 to 1987. nnn Matt Wallerstedt says taking the job of Texas Tech defensive coordina-

tor was a no-brainer. And he didn’t hold out, hoping Tech would sweeten the pot. In the weeks between his name being linked to the job and his taking it, Wallerstedt says he and his family weighed whether the timing of the move was right for others besides him. During Wallerstedt’s 2012 season as a Texas A&M assistant, more than just his immediate family were with him in College Station. So were his mother-in-law Sheri Perdue and his wife Josie’s teenaged brother Lang. “Lived right around the corner — about two blocks, maybe three blocks,” Wallerstedt said. “The big (consideration) was having my wife leave College Station. Having been with her

mom and little brother for a year was a great situation for us.” From 1999 to 2004, Sheri Perdue and her husband Dr. Lang Perdue lived in College Station, where Dr. Perdue, a surgeon, worked at Scott & White Clinic. Dr. Perdue was stricken with prostate cancer during that time period, however, and returned with his wife to his hometown of Topeka, Kan. Dr. Perdue died in June 2010. “When he passed away, Josie’s mom and little brother moved back to a really good core of friends they had left in College Station, just to be around friends,” Wallerstedt said. Somewhat by coincidence, Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin offered Wallerstedt a spot on his staff about seven months

later. For more than a week this winter, a perception existed that competing financial offers were in play as Kingsbury pursued him for Tech. However, with Texas A&M on its way to an 11-2 season, Wallerstedt said the wheels had been set in motion for Sumlin and his assistants to be rewarded with raises. “I think those were ongoing just as the season was winding down,” Wallerstedt said. “He was trying to make it better across the board for the entire staff. “I wasn’t sitting there playing a chess game back and forth, asking for money and going to Kliff, going back and forth like that. That was false. I had a big raise there at A&M, but that was going to happen anyway.”

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wallerstedt: Co-coordinators promise unpredictable defense

FROM page 4 Wallerstedt had been a defensive coordinator at Wyoming, North Alabama and Air Force. This was a chance to be a coordinator for a school in a BCS conference. But Wallerstedt wanted to make sure his wife and mother-in-law were OK with the change. “I want to make sure everybody understands the delay in coming had nothing to do with the opportunity Kliff had presented me,” he aid. “Career-wise, it was a no-brainer, just because it put me back in a coordinator position at the BCS level. “We went back and forth internally on whether it would be the best situation family-wise. ... It was a big family move, obviously. For us to uproot after a year was more making sure she felt comfortable.” Ultimately, a week after A&M won the Cotton Bowl, Wallerstedt felt comfortable leaving for Texas Tech.

Now he just had to make sure the Red Raiders felt comfortable with him. nnn Every year, a new face. Every year, a new message. Texas Tech linebacker Terrance Bullitt had heard a different defensive coordinator lay out his vision before each season of his college football career. What did Matt Wallerstedt need to do to be credible? “He came in and the first day, he was like, ‘Just trust me. We’re going to get this thing rolling. I just need everyone to buy in,’” Bullitt recalled. Then again, every new coach gives some version of that. “They all say that,” Bullitt acknowledged. “But you know, it’s our last year. We have no choice but to buy in. It’s not like we’re going to go anywhere. Everybody might as well jump on board and get this thing going. We’re all working toward that same goal, winning that Big 12 championship.” If that sounds like less than a ringing endorsement — as a senior, you have no alternative but to follow the leader, whomever he might be — then Bullitt offers a reason to take heart. If the Tech defense gives up 50-plus points to four Big 12 opponents this year the way it did last year, well, it won’t be for lack of energy and effort on the defensive coordinator’s part. That’s what sets Wallerstedt apart. “He’s fired up 24-7, from sun-up to sundown,” Bullitt said. “We always talk about, we have kerosene going through our bodies. We’re on fire. When we’re on the field, he’s chest bumping, jumping up and down. He thinks he’s a player. That’s how happy he is. Everybody feeds off him.” Wallerstedt and co-defensive coordinator Mike Smith have promised a more unpredictable defense than anything the Red Raiders have run in recent years. Wallerstedt has said the Red Raiders will make a quarterback “earn his scholarship” and try to confuse offensive linemen. They want to take the fight to the offense, even if it means taking chances. “Coach Wallerstedt will have them fired up,” Kingsbury said. “They’ll play excited. His schemes are fun for the players, and so we’re exzach long  A-j media

Texas Tech’s Matt Wallerstedt will be the Red Raiders’ fifth defensive coordinator in five seasons.

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He’s fired up 24-7, from sun-up to sundown. Terrance Bullitt Red Raiders linebacker

cited to see what he brings.” nnn Matt Wallerstedt never got any recognition for what he accomplished in Jones Stadium. In the 1986 season opener, Kansas State led Texas Tech 7-6 before losing 41-7. That was in spite of Wallerstedt’s best efforts. He made one tackle after another, and he intercepted a pass. Had rifle-armed Billy Joe Tolliver not been the Tech quarterback, he might have had more. “Two went through my hands,” Wallerstedt said. “He threw the ball so damn

hard. One was in the curl, and I broke across and it went through my hands above my head. Had I caught it, it would have been probably a touchdown the other way.” Wallerstedt had more luck catching other Red Raiders. If his memory is accurate, he made more than 20 tackles in that game. “The only reason I remember that, I was upset. I thought stat-wise I had a big enough game to be Big Eight player of the week,” he said, “and I think one of the defensive linemen from Nebraska had a big game against somebody.” Nearly three decades later, another opportunity presents itself at the same place. Wallerstedt will get his due if he makes the Tech defense appreciably better. Then he’ll have even more pleasant recollections than the red carpet treatment. don.williams@lubbockonline.com  766-8736 Follow Don on Twitter @AJ_DonWilliams

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Experience makes DC transition easier for Hyder, Bullitt BY DON WILLIAMS a-j media

Terrance Bullitt comes from a football family, and he’s comforted by knowing his football life won’t end with his upcoming senior season at Texas Tech. Naturally, the Red Raiders’ outside linebacker would like to play in the NFL, like his father, Jerry, and his older brother, Melvin. Regardless how that turns out, he plans to coach. For him, there’s a silver lining to being a fifth-year senior who has played for five defensive coordinators. “Yeah, I want to coach,” Bullitt said. “I’ve seen all kinds of different coordinators. It really helps my football knowledge.” Bullitt and defensive tackle Kerry Hyder both signed with Tech in 2009. Their carousel of coordinators started spinning after that season. Ruffin McNeill exited with Mike Leach’s fir-

Texas Tech’s Terrance Bullitt (1) takes down a receiver during a game against the West Virginia Mountaineers last season. Bullitt and Kerry Hyder will be leading the Red Raiders’ defense under the direction of their fifth defensive coordinator during their careers at Tech.

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We’re going to keep rolling. Kerry Hyder Red Raiders defensive tackle

ing. Since then, the two have learned defense from James Willis, Chad Glasgow, Art Kaufman and now Matt Wallerstedt. “This has been the easiest transition I’ve been through with coaches,” Hyder said. “We’re going to keep rolling.” That’s said with the voice of experience, coming from a guy who was first-team All-Big 12. When they were younger, the constant changes weren’t as easy to accept, Bullitt says. “It’s been adversity, but the older

I’ve gotten, I’ve understood everything more,” Bullitt said. “When I was younger, I was angry. I lost the coach that recruited me. Now I have a new coach, then I lose him. “Now, the older I get, I realize defenses are all similar in a way, with a few different wrinkles. It just depends on which coach you’re playing for, and we all love playing for coach Wally.” Safety Tre Porter is another senior who has known nothing but transition every year. Unlike Bullitt and Hyder, Porter did not redshirt, so he’s on his fourth defensive coordinator. “It’s exciting,” he said. “Every year is different. It becomes a challenge to learn what you need to do and how you need to do it. “I really like having different defensive coordinators, because I learned a lot more about defenses and how defenses are supposed to be run, how I can use different techniques to perform the same thing.”

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Texas Tech’s Kerry Hyder (91) and Terrance Bullitt (1) will be working under their fifth different defensive coordinator.

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texas tech football preview

King’s Calling

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I got into coaching randomly. ... As soon as I did it, I said, ‘Hey, I’m going to work as hard as I can, just like I did when I was a player, and see where this takes me.’

Tech’s new coach ready for debut

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Kliff Kingsbury Texas Tech head football coach

Kliff Kingsbury is ready to debut as the Red Raiders’ head coach after a whirlwind offseason. He’s returned to his alma mater, where he broke records as a quarterback.

BY DON WILLIAMS a-j media

It might come as a surprise to learn Kliff Kingsbury never spent much time dreaming about becoming what he’s become — the Texas Tech football coach. Heck, for that matter, he never even thought much about becoming a coach at all. Not even with his father, Tim Kingsbury, being his

Stephen Spillman  A-j media

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Scott Audette  Associated Press

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high school coach at New Braunfels. All those hours devoted to watching film, knocking around football fields and locker rooms, and no thought to becoming a coach? “I was studying film, but I wanted to play quarterback,” Kingsbury said recently. “This,” he said of coaching, “was, I guess, option number two.” SEE KINGSBURY, page 10

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KINGSBURY: Former quarterback has new list of responsibilities

FROM page 8 Kingsbury revealed this summer that even when his short career as an NFL quarterback ended, his aspirations went beyond football. Five years ago, even after he was hired to an entry-level coaching position at the University of Houston, he intended to return to school for an MBA. Remember, in 2002, the year Kingsbury threw for 5,000 yards as a Texas Tech senior, he was in the small circle of players to receive a post-graduate scholarship from the National Football Foundation and was named academic all-America player of the year. “I got into coaching randomly,” he said. “I worked with Dana Holgorsen one summer at U of H and fell into it. As soon as I did it, I said, ‘Hey, I’m going to work as hard as I can, just like I did when I was a player, and see where this takes me.’” That was 2008. Kingsbury couldn’t have imagined it would take him to being head coach of his alma mater — the first former Red Raider to lead the Red Raiders — five years later. Four of the charter-member assistants from Mike Leach’s first Tech staff are now head coaches in the FBS: Holgorsen at West Virginia, Art Briles at Baylor, Ruffin McNeill at East Carolina and Sonny Dykes at California. All four watched Kingsbury grow from his sophomore through senior seasons. “The whole time, he was in my office nearly every day,” Briles said. “I just think he’s a good guy for football. He’s a guy that’s good for our game. He’s a positive person, works hard. He’s passionate about it, and he’s a very intelligent person. I think he’s at a good spot at a good time for him and Texas Tech.” Many seem to agree. Whatever doubts there have been are centered around whether Kingsbury’s debut at age 34 is too much, too soon. The 2013 season will be only the sixth of Kingsbury’s coaching career. He’s spent only three years as a coordinator. Becoming a head coach in a major conference in such a short time is a big jump. “He’ll handle it just fine,” Holgorsen said. “Everybody talks about Kliff being young and inexperienced. Well, Kliff’s been around the game for 33 years, growing up as coach’s kid.” Holgorsen acknowledged that Kingsbury has a whole new, long list of responsibilities. He’ll have to know what’s going

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He’s easy to relate to, because he’s been there, done that and he’s not that far removed from the college football lifestyle.

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Kerry Hyder Tech defensive lineman

Stephen Spillman  A-j media

Kliff Kingsbury rarely considered getting into coaching, but became one of the hottest names once hired.

Coming of age The youngest head coaches in the Football Bowl Subdivision, with age and date of birth. P.J. Fleck, Western Michigan, 32 (Nov. 29, 1980) Matt Campbell, Toledo, 33 (Nov. 29, 1979) Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech, 34 (Aug. 9, 1979) Bryan Harsin, Arkansas State, 36 (Nov. 11, 1976) Willie Taggart, South Florida, 37 (Aug. 27, 1976) Justin Fuente, Memphis, 37 (July 30, 1976) Lane Kiffin, Southern Cal, 38 (May 9, 1975) Brian Polian, Nevada, 38 (Dec. 22, 1974) Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern, 38 (Dec. 2, 1974) Garrick McGee, Alabama-Birmingham, 40 (April 6, 1973) Matt Wells, Utah State, 40 (Aug. 10, 1973) Dan Mullen, Mississippi State, 41 (April 27, 1972) James Franklin, Vanderbilt, 41 (Feb. 2, 1972) Source: The Associated Press/Temple University research

on with the defense, the special teams, his players’ academics, the strength and conditioning program, football operations and recruiting. Not to mention he becomes the face of the program with fans and media, fulfilling obligations to each that take time out of the day. “From an offensive standpoint, he’s got

everything you want,” Holgorsen said. “He’s smart. He understands how to game plan. He understands how to call plays. He understands how to keep things rolling practice-wise. “It takes some time to be able to figure out if you know how to do all the other stuff, which I’ve got complete confidence that he’s smart enough and is really good with young men to be able to understand the rest of it.” Briles, when asked what problems Kingsbury would encounter, focused more on the situations that any coach faces. “Same we all have,” he said. “I mean, keeping guys motivated. Keeping them bonded together as a team. Keeping everything the way it needs to be when things aren’t the way you want them to be. Those things, it doesn’t matter if you’re 33 or 83, that’s always going to be there.” Kingsbury just turned 34 in early August. He seems to connect easily with players, given their proximity in age, the coach’s hip reputation and his ability to speak their language. “He’s easy to relate to,” defensive lineman Kerry Hyder said, “because he’s

been there, done that and he’s not that far removed from the college football lifestyle.” Former coach Tommy Tuberville once said he didn’t make rules just “to harass.” He let players wear their hair how they wanted, for example. But he was a stickler for other details, such as being on time and removing caps and earrings in the football building. Wide receiver Eric Ward said it’s not as tight a ship in some ways. The loud music that now serves as a backdrop to Tech practices is one example. “It’s more player friendly,” Ward said. “You have the freedom to listen to music. We couldn’t listen to music (before). That means a lot. Music is a natural healer, I would say. It means a lot to players that coach really cares about you. He’s not trying to take away your privileges.” That doesn’t mean Kingsbury’s a pushover, or that the kids run the team. Those inside the Tech football building say Kingsbury got the point across quickly that he takes his players’ academics seriously. He doesn’t abide classroom slackers. That’s just part of the whole. “He’s a real cool guy,” Hyder said. “But at the same time, he’s all about business, all about getting stuff done. Things have changed — it’s more relaxed, more swagged out — but the discipline hasn’t changed. He’s in charge, and he lets us know that.” Kingsbury says he takes a much — maybe even most or all — of his management style from the head coach for whom he worked the last five years. Few mentors seem to have influenced him more than

SEE KLIFF, page 11

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KLIFF: Most influenced by Sumlin at Houston, A&M FROM page 10 Kevin Sumlin, his boss at Houston and Texas A&M. That seems to be especially true when it comes to managing people. Kingsbury admires how Sumlin gets the most out of his players and assistant coaches. “They played their butts off and worked their butts off for him, because of the way he treated them and the way he motivated them,” Kingsbury said. “He let them be their own man. A lot of (head coaches) wouldn’t let a coordinator do what I did, calling plays. That shows the type of trust he has in his coaches. That means a lot.” This season, Kingsbury will be his own man more than ever. Tech fans will see if the motivational skills he’s learned in the last few years will lead to diligence and

relentless effort on the Red Raiders’ part. In Kingsbury’s first eight months on the job, he couldn’t have asked for a much better reception. He was so overwhelmed by his alma mater’s embrace that he recently asked Tech vendors to stop selling T-shirts bearing his likeness, and please just promote the university. “But it’s all fun,” he said of the positive attention. “It’s all part of the deal and part of the program. We’re still undefeated and everybody’s fired up, and we’ll see how long that lasts. But it’s been great. I’m a Red Raider, I went to school (here) and I couldn’t be more proud of the program.” don.williams@lubbockonline.com  766-8736 Follow Don on Twitter @AJ_DonWilliams

Stephen Spillman  A-j media

Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury was so overwhelmed by his alma mater’s embrace that he recently asked vendors to just promote the university.

Kliff’s QBs Kliff Kingsbury’s coaching career consists of four years on the University of Houston staff and one at Texas A&M. Even in that short a time, he’s worked with some prolific passers. Year School Kingsbury’s role Quarterback 2008 Houston Off. quality control Case Keenum Keenum led the nation in total offense and threw for 5,020 yards, second only to Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell. 2009 Houston Off. quality control Case Keenum Keenum rolled up 5,829 yards total offense (5,671 passing) and led UH to a 10-4 record. 2010 Houston Co-offensive coordinator/QBs David Piland True freshman threw for 2,641 yards and 24 touchdowns after Keenum suffered torn ACL in third game. 2011 Houston Co-offensive coordinator/QBs Case Keenum Sixth-year senior finished record-setting career by throwing for 5,631 yards and 48 TDs, leading team to 13-1 season. 2012 Texas A&M Offensive coordinator/QBs Johnny Manziel Manziel broke SEC total offense record and became first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy.

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Home Turf

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Texas Tech’s home-field atmosphere should be helped by the addition of a new video scoreboard in the North endzone.

Atmosphere at the Jones gets players, fans pumped up

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The game day atmosphere in Lubbock is incredible. After I finished playing and you get around guys from other teams in the Big 12, that’s all they want to talk about is the fans and how passionate and how crazy and how loud and how tough a place it is to play.

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Kliff Kingsbury Red Raiders head coach

BY krista pirtle A-j media

“Raider Power” bellows from Jones AT&T Stadium as the bass from the new video scoreboard shakes the ground. With this kind of volume in the Jones, it’s impossible to have a normal conversation. Yelling at those around you isn’t seen as offensive but helpful to the communication process. This ground-shaking sound makes those still tailgating in the parking lot feel as if they are in the stadium except, of course, for the seeing the game part. With all this ruckus, it’s hard to think that the game hasn’t even started yet. Porter The volume, believe it or not, escalates as the Masked Rider takes off across the field followed by the Red Raiders. While the atmosphere is electric for the beginning of the game, whether or not it escalates or dies is dependent on the team and its production on the gridiron. stephen spillman  a-j media file photo “If we on top, it’s pretty ridiculous,” senior safety Texas Tech’s home-field advantage can hinge on the mood of the fanbase. Red Raider faithTre’ Porter said. “It gets you ready to play, even if

ful can make Lubbock one of the toughest places to play in the country, but can leave the

SEE turf, page 13 stadium sparsely populated when things go bad.

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turf: Kingsbury buzz expected to rock the Jones on Sept. 7 FROM page 12 you’re not ready when you walk into the stadium and run out of the fog and the fans are yelling and screaming and the Matador riding. It’s pretty fun. When it’s low, we still have a lot of positive energy but it don’t be as much people.” For example, compare the 2008 Texas upset and the 2011 Oklahoma State beating. When then-sophomore wide receiver Michael Crabtree juked the Longhorn defenders to get into the end zone with one second remaining in the game, Jones AT&T Stadium almost exploded from pride and excitement; however, when OSU quarterback Brandon Weeden threw for touchdown after touchdown three years Amaro later, there wasn’t much noise at all. “Last year, I felt like there were some games where we really needed a lot of energy, like for example, OU,” junior tight end Jace Amaro said. “It was sold out and I know it was really cold and we were undefeated, and that’s a game we probably should have won. We had a lot of turnovers, but I just never felt like the crowd was into it.

“There were games like for New Mexico that I felt like the energy was out of control. And for West Virginia, I felt like that was the best game of energy I’ve played out here. And I know that with the new scoreboard up and all the new additions up here and the coaching changes, the atmosphere is going to be as crazy as it’s probably ever been.” Since December, West Texas has been buzzing with the hire of head coach Kliff Kingsbury returning to his alma mater. On Sept. 7, that buzz will fill the Jones. “The game day atmosphere in Lubbock is incredible,” Kingsbury said. “After I finished playing and you get around guys from other teams in the Big 12, that’s all they want to talk about is the fans and how passionate and how crazy and how loud and how tough a place it is to play. I’m excited to get to that.” This rowdy atmosphere isn’t a phenomenon that built overnight after a successful football game. SEE turf, page 14

stephen spillman  a-j media file photo

Texas Tech fans have seen their share of lopsided losses during the past three years at Jones AT&T Stadium.

stephen spillman  a-j media file photo

Texas Tech fans storm the field after the Red Raiders’ win over West Virginia last season.

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stephen spillman  a-j media file photo

Red Raider fans show their pride in many ways at Jones AT&T Stadium.

turf: Fans have more impact than they know

FROM page 13 Lubbock has always been a formidable place to play. “That’s the good thing about this fan base,” safeties coach Trey Haverty said. “They were great the five years that I was here. I watched them when Spike (Dykes) was here. I kept up when I left with the guys that I still played with and I would say we have one of the best fan bases in the Big 12, if not the best just for the fans. People might have a bigger stadium, but they don’t necessarily cheer the whole time. You’ve got ‘Raider Power’ going, the band playing, everybody’s jumping and yelling, it’s a full house. It’s one of the tougher places to play, and I’ve been to a couple.” With the parity in the Big 12 this year, what games are home and what games are away are important. The underdogs can have homefield advantage or be forced to face a powerhouse on the road. While Tech pulled the upset over Oklahoma in Norman in 2011, beating a tal-

ented opponent on the road is easier said than done. That being said, most teams would rather play the Sooners at their home stadium than in Gaylor Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. “It’s an amazing atmosphere,” junior wide receiver Bradley Marquez said. “(It’s) one of the best. We go and play in different stadiums as well, but it’s nothing like playing at home. I feel like we have one of the best fan bases Marquez in the nation. We have a lot of support from them and want to go out and make them proud and everybody else.” For Red Raider nation, the later the kickoff time, the better, leaving them more time to fully prepare for the game. Once they file into the stadium and the game gets going, the fans have more of an impact than they know. “Our fans do a great job of

getting into the opponent’s ear and getting them frustrated,” sophomore wide receiver Jakeem Grant said. “We feed off their energy. As they scream ‘Raider Power’ we always have a good effect and go out there and perform at our highest.” Whether it’s striping out the Jones on Sept. 7, losing your voice from yelling the entire time or not even thinking about sneaking tortillas into the stadium to throw them at some point, game days in Lubbock are unlike any other. The key for 2013 is keeping the energy at an alltime high throughout the season. “We have a lot of excitement leading up to this year,” Marquez said. “A new era and everything has begun so we just want to be able to go out there, put on a show, and let everybody enjoy.” krista.pirtle@lubbockonline.com  766-8735 Follow Krista on Twitter @AJ_KristaPirtle

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6 Red Raider newcomers to watch

Kliff Kingsbury and his staff had to hit the recruiting trail as soon as they got to Lubbock to address several needs in the 2013 class. After all was said and done, 22 scholarship newcomers joined the team this summer. Several have a chance to play right away in some capacity. n QB Baker Mayfield: Mayfield wanted to play for the Red Raiders bad enough that he chose to walk on at Texas Tech over scholarship offers from Washington State, Rice, New Mexico and Florida Atlantic. In a whirlwind development, he spent training camp competing for the starting job. In two seasons at Lake Travis, Mayfield completed 427 of 658 passes for 6,197 yards and 69 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. He also rushed 214 times for 920 yards and 11 more scores. He was rated 84 overall and threestar by 247Sports. n QB Davis Webb: His senior year at Prosper, Webb completed 210 of 359 passes for 2,658 yards and 23 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. He also rushed 120 times for 589 yards and 12 more scores. Webb graduated high school a semester early to enroll at Texas Tech in January and battled Michael Brewer for the starting job in the spring. Webb is another option to be the opening-night starter. Rated 87 overall and three-star by 247Sports, Webb chose Texas Tech over offers from TCU, Iowa,

Indiana and others. n OLB Andre Ross: The standout from small-town Calvert was a late addition to Texas Tech’s 2013 class after discovering he had completed enough hours at Navarro College to transfer. He started camp second team behind Pete Robertson at the bandit outside linebacker position. Rated a four-star recruit by the 247Composite ratings, Ross chose the Red Raiders over offers from TCU, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Arizona State, West Virginia and others. n RB-WR Tyler Middleton: The Red Raiders seem to have really hit on the recruits from Navarro College. Tech coaches think Middleton could help them as a backup running back, deep-threat wide receiver and on special teams. In 2012 at Navarro, Middleton rushed 71 times for 898 yards and 11 touchdowns and caught 18 passes for 215 yards and five touchdowns. As a Midland High senior in 2010, Middleton rushed 214 times for 1,748 yards and 31 touchdowns and caught 21 passes for 278 yards and two more scores. Rated 81 overall by 247Sports, Middleton chose Tech over Louisiana Tech and Middle Tennessee State. n WR D.J. Polite-Bray: PoliteBray was the lowest-ranked of Texas Tech’s wide receiver signees by 247Sports, at 78 overall and two stars, but he’s the freshman

receiver coaches mentioned the most during preseason camp. In addition to breakaway speed, Polite-Bray shows route-running ability. He’s competing for a backup spot behind wide receivers Eric Ward and Bradley Marquez. Polite-Bray and two high school teammates, offensive lineman Josh Outlaw and linebacker Jacarthy Mack, all signed with Texas Tech out of MLK High School in Lithonia, Ga. n CB Dee Paul: The two-sport standout from Munday is in the mix to back up Bruce Jones or Ola Falemi at cornerback. Paul led Munday to a Class 1A state championship in 2012 and lost the title game in 2011. As a senior quarterback, Paul threw for 1,579 yards and 23 touchdowns with only four interceptions, rushed 129 times for 1,959 yards and 32 more touchdowns, returned three kickoffss and two punts for touchdowns and on defense registered 57 tackles, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and eight interceptions. He also won 11 gold medals at the state track and field meet during his high school career. Rated 86 overall by 247Sports, Paul chose Tech over Tennessee, Oklahoma State, Baylor and SMU. n Also watch for: Dorian Crawford, safety; Baylen Brown, center; Josh Outlaw, offensive tackle. Compiled by Landon Wright

Texas Tech’s Tyler Middleton brings a new level of speed to the Red Raider backfield. The Midland native arrives at Tech after a stop at Navarro College. stephen spillman  A-j media

 associated press

Baker Mayfield (11), shown here in high school, has emerged as a threat to start at quarterback for Texas Tech.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

Texas Tech Football Preview

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The A-J’s Preseason All-Big 12 Team — Offense Second Team

First Team

Wide receiver: Josh Stewart, Oklahoma State, 5-10, 185, Jr., Denton Guyer Wide receiver: Eric Ward, Texas Tech, 6-0, 205, Sr., Wichita Falls Rider Tight end: Jace Amaro, Texas Tech, 6-5, 260, Jr., San Antonio MacArthur Lineman: Le’Raven Clark, Texas Tech, 6-5, 320, So., Rockdale Lineman: B.J. Finney, Kansas State, 6-4, 303, Jr., Andale, Kan. Lineman: Trey Hopkins, Texas, 6-4, 300, Sr., Galena Park North Shore Lineman: Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma, 6-4, 298, Sr., Oklahoma

City, Okla. Lineman: Cyril Richardson, Baylor, 6-5, 335, Sr., North Crowley Quarterback: Casey Pachall, TCU, 6-5, 230, Sr., Brownwood Running back: John Hubert, Kansas State, 5-7, 191, Sr., Waco Midway Running back: Lache Seastrunk, Baylor, 5-10, 210, Jr., Temple All-purpose player: Tyler Lockett, Kansas State, 5-11, 175, Jr., Tulsa, Okla. Kicker: Michael Hunnicutt, Oklahoma, 6-0, 169, Jr., Richardson Pearce

Texas Tech senior tight end Jace Amaro is among A-J Media’s preseason All-Big 12 team.

Wide receiver: Mike Davis, Texas, 6-2, 193, Sr., Dallas Skyline Wide receiver: Tevin Reese, Baylor, 5-10, 170, Sr., Temple Tight end: Jordan Najvar, Baylor, 6-6, 260, Sr., Klein Oak Lineman: Pat Eger, West Virginia, 6-6, 302, Sr., Pleasant Hills, Penn. Lineman: Parker Graham, Oklahoma State, 6-7, 315, Sr., Webb City, Mo. Lineman: Kyle Lichtenberg, Iowa State, 6-6, 296, Sr., Bettendorf, Iowa Lineman: Cornelius Lucas,

zach long  a-j media file photo

Kansas State, 6-9, 328, Sr., New Orleans, La. Lineman: Mason Walters, Texas, 6-6, 320, Sr., Frenship Quarterback: David Ash, Texas, 6-3, 223, Jr., Belton Running back: Charles Sims, West Virginia, 6-0, 213, Sr., Houston Westbury Running back: James Sims, Kansas, 6-0, 202, Sr., Irving MacArthur All-purpose player: Tramaine Thompson, Kansas State, 5-8, 167, Sr., Jenks, Okla. Kicker: Jaden Oberkrom, TCU, 6-3, 187, So., Arlington Martin

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

The A-J’s Preseason All-Big 12 Team — Defense Second Team

First Team

Lineman: Calvin Barnett, Oklahoma State, 6-2, 300, Sr., Tulsa, Okla. Lineman: Devonte Fields, TCU, 6-4, 240, So., Arlington Martin Lineman: Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas, 6-5, 245, Sr., Plano West Lineman: Kerry Hyder, Texas Tech, 6-2, 290, Sr., Austin LBJ Linebacker: Jordan Hicks, Texas, 6-2, 235, Jr., Cincinnati, Ohio Linebacker: Eddie Lackey, Baylor, 6-0, 225, Sr., Murrieta, Calif.

Linebacker: Shaun Lewis, Oklahoma State, 5-11, 225, Sr., Sugar Land Hightower Back: Aaron Colvin, Oklahoma, 6-0, 182, Sr., Owasso, Okla. Back: Quandre Diggs, Texas, 5-10, 200, Jr., Angleton Back: Jason Verrett, TCU, 5-10, 176, Sr., Fairfield, Calif. Back: Ty Zimmerman, Kansas State, 6-1, 204, Sr., Junction City, Kan. Punter: Kirby Van Der Camp, Iowa State, 6-4, 211, Sr., West Des Moines, Iowa

Lineman: Dartwan Bush, Texas Tech, 6-1, 260, Sr., Clute Brazoswood Lineman: Will Clarke, West Virginia, 6-6, 273, Sr., Pittsburgh, Penn. Lineman: Chucky Hunter, TCU, 6-1, 300, Jr., West Monroe, La. Lineman: Chris McAllister, Baylor, 6-3, 255, Sr., Converse Judson Linebacker: Bryce Hager, Baylor, 6-2, 235, Jr., Austin Westlake Linebacker: Ben Heeney, Kansas, 6-0, 227, Jr., Hutchinson,

Texas Tech’s Dartwan Bush will look to excel in the Red Raiders’ new defensive system. stephen spillman  a-j media

Kan. Linebacker: Corey Nelson, Oklahoma, 6-1, 215, Sr., Dallas Skyline Back: Carrington Byndom, Texas, 6-0, 180, Sr., Lufkin Back: Sam Carter, TCU, 6-1, 215, Jr., Alief Hastings Back: Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State, 6-0, 200, Sr., Huntsville Back: Daytawion Lowe, Oklahoma State, 5-11, 205, Sr., Midwest City, Okla. Punter: Ethan Perry, TCU, 6-4, 230, So., Smithson Valley

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

texas tech football preview

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The A-J’s Big 12 projected order of finish 1. Oklahoma State

OSU has a passing game, seven starters back on defense and the Big 12 favorite’s tag for the first time. Can the Cowboys handle having the bull’s eye on their backs?

2. Oklahoma

The Sooners finished last season with a leaky defense and start this one with a freshman quarterback. Enough talent remains, though, for a fourth straight season of double-digit wins.

3. Texas

No team in the league returns

more starters than Texas. Then again, these are the same players who underachieved last season.

4. Baylor

The schedule and an array of playmakers position Baylor for a fast start. Then the Bears face nearly all the Big 12 contenders in a challenging final five weeks.

5. Kansas State

By now, shouldn’t everyone know better than to pick Kansas State low? This time around, star running back John Hubert and an offensive line with all the starters back provide the road map to defending their title.

Oklahoma State and Jeremy Smith are favored to win the Big 12 Conference. zach long  A-j media

texas tech football preview

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

The A-J’s Big 12 projected order of finish 6. TCU

TCU has two assets many of its Big 12 brethren lack: a reliable defense and a proven, potential NFL quarterback. That gives the Horned Frogs a chance against any team they play.

7. Texas Tech

Kliff Kingsbury didn’t exactly slip into a warm bed, making his head-coaching debut with a young quarterback, a shortage of offensive linemen and yet another new approach on defense. Kingsbury figures to have a lengthy honeymoon period, though.

8. West Virginia

The arrival of talented transfer running back Charles Sims helps make up for

TCU and Trevone Boykin will look for a title during their second season in the conference.

all the weapons the Mountaineers lost on offense. But how quickly can Dana Holgorsen and company fix an awful defense?

9. Kansas

The Jayhawks at least have something to hang their hats on: Running backs James Sims and Tony Pierson ran for nearly 1,800 yards last year. They’ll have to ball-control opponents to death to end four years of last-place finishes.

10. Iowa State

Iowa State wasn’t very good last year on offense, and the Cyclones have lost a lot of talent from the defense. A fourth bowl trip in five years might be too much to ask.

stephen spillman  a-j media file photo

zach long  a-j media

Kansas and running back Tony Pierson will try to escape the Big 12 cellar this season after the Jayhawks went 1-11 last year.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

texas tech football preview

Spotlight on junior placekicker

Ryan Bustin The leading scorer for the Red Raiders is back. Last year, Bustin tied the alltime Texas Tech record for field goals made in a season and broke another Tech record for points scored by a kicker with 110. He was also the 14th kicker in school history to be perfect in extra-point attempts, making all 59. Bustin finished the season making 17 of 24 field goals, and 14 of thos were in the 20-40-yard range. His longest kick was a 50-yarder in the second game of the season against Texas State. This year, Bustin’s role is a question mark. Yes, he will still be the starting kicker, but how often will head coach Kliff Kingsbury use him? With the attack-minded offense, will Kingsbury want to take the shot at three points or go for it on fourth down? Either way, Bustin will be a reliable source for the Red Raiders to get points on the board in 2013. STORY by KRISTA PIRTLE  A-j media photo by zach long  A-j media

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texas tech football preview

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

Going deeper... Dartwan Bush, senior defensive end While senior Kerry Hyder is being named to preseason award lists, he is quick to warn people about his teammate, Bush. With all the attention focused on Hyder, it’s easy to forget that both Bush and Hyder had similar numbers in 2012. Last season, Bush led the team with five quarterback hurries, tied with Hyder for the team lead in sacks with six and ranked second in tackles for loss, behind only Hyder. In the team’s new 3-4 front, Bush and Hyder will flank noseguard Dennell Wesley. Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Matt Wallerstedt say they’ll be able to isolate Bush in one-on-one situations often enough to take advantage of his quickness and maximize his potential to rush the passer. And Bush should stay fresh while sharing time with Branden Jackson.

STEPHEN SPILLMAN  A-J MEDIA

DeAndre Washington, sophomore running back Washington is poised for a big year. Though the sophomore from Sugar Land Marshall is listed as a backup to junior Kenny Williams, the amount of plays the Red Raiders plan to run means both could get 12 to 20 carries a game. Washington redshirted last season, which gave him more time to recover from a torn knee ligament he suffered in the nextto-last game of the 2012 season. “I’m past that,” Washington said during training camp. “It’s not even a factor for me anymore. I feel like the injury didn’t even occur.” Back in 2011, Washington earned honorable mention in the coaches’ voting for All-Big 12 Freshman of the Year. That year, he finished fifth on the team in all-purpose yards with 606. STEPHEN SPILLMAN  A-J MEDIA

Krista Pirtle, A-J Media

...into the depth chart

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

Red Raiders Depth Chart: Offense

Pos. SE IR LT LG C RG RT IR FL QB RB PK

Player Eric Ward Derreck Edwards Jakeem Grant Sadale Foster Le’Raven Clark Josh Outlaw Alfredo Morales James Polk Jared Kaster Baylen Brown Beau Carpenter Trey Keenan Rashad Fortenberry Matt Wilson Jace Amaro Jordan Davis Bradley Marquez Reginald Davis Davis Webb or Baker Mayfield Michael Brewer Kenny Williams DeAndre Washington Ryan Bustin Kramer Fyfe

texas tech football preview

Height Weight Class-Exp. 6-0 205 Sr-3L 6-1 182 So-1L 5-6 163 So-1L 5-7 181 Sr-1L 6-5 320 So-1L 6-3 290 Fr-HS 6-3 321 So-1L 6-6 335 Jr-2L 6-3 285 So-1L 6-4 305 Fr-HS 6-6 295 Jr-2L 6-6 280 Fr-RS 6-5 297 Sr-1L 6-6 280 So-Sq 6-5 260 Jr-2L 5-9 174 Jr-1L 5-11 200 Jr-2L 6-0 190 Fr-RS 6-4 200 Fr-HS 6-2 220 Fr-HS 6-1 197 So-1L 5-9 225 Jr-2L 5-8 191 So-1L 5-11 180 Jr-1L 5-8 165 Jr-1L

zach long  AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

Texas Tech’s starting split end, Eric Ward (18), led the Red Raiders in receiving yards last season, when he had 82 receptions for 1,053 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Pos. DE NG DT OLB ILB ILB OLB CB SS FS CB P

Player Dartwan Bush Branden Jackson Dennell Wesley Donte Phillips Kerry Hyder Jackson Richards Pete Robertson Andre Ross Will Smith Blake Dees Sam Eguavoen Micah Awe Terrance Bullitt Austin Stewart Bruce Jones Derrick Mays J.J. Gaines Dorian Crawford Tre Porter Keenon Ward Ola Falemi Jeremy Reynolds Ryan Erxleben Taylor Symmank

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Height Weight Class-Exp. 6-1 260 Sr-3L 6-4 248 So-1L 6-1 310 Sr-2L 6-2 283 So-1L 6-2 290 Sr-3L 6-4 275 Jr-2L 6-3 225 So-1L 6-3 220 So-Tr 6-3 224 Sr-1L 6-0 230 Jr-2L 6-1 220 Jr-2L 6-0 212 So-1L 6-3 221 Sr-3L 6-0 206 Jr-1L 5-7 183 Sr-1L 5-11 175 Sr-3L 5-10 184 So-1L 6-1 190 Jr-Tr 6-0 202 Jr-2L 5-9 195 Fr-RS 5-9 160 Sr-1L 5-9 173 So-1L 6-1 190 Sr-3L 6-2 185 So-Sq

Red Raiders Depth Chart: Defense

Texas Tech football Preview

redraiders.com No. 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 17 18 18 19 19 20 21 21 22

Name Ht./Wt. Terrance Bullitt 6-3/221 Reginald Davis 6-0/190 Andre Ross 6-3/220 J.J. Gaines 5-10/184 D.J. Polite-Bray 6-1/175 Bradley Marquez 5-11/201 Derrick Mays 5-11/175 Gary Moore 6-5/220 Tre’ Porter 6-0/207 Baker Mayfield 6-1/220 Kris Williams 6-1/219 Will Smith 6-3/224 Davis Webb 6-4/200 Sadale Foster 5-7/181 Shawn Corker 6-1/191 Branden Jackson 6-4/248 Collin Bowen 6-3/200 Pete Robertson 6-3/225 Jakeem Grant 5-6/163 Jacarthy Mack 6-3/180 Zach Barnes 6-3/215 Sam Eguavoen 6-1/220 Carlos Thompson 6-1/220 Dylan Cantrell 6-3/205 La’Darius Newbold 5-11/195 Clayton Nicholas 6-3/220 Keenon Ward 5-9/195 Michael Brewer 6-1/197 Dee Paul 6-0/173 Micah Awe 6-0/212 Eric Ward 6-0/204 Jalen Barnes 5-11/185 Derreck Edwards 6-1/182 Caleb Woodward 6-0/200 Dorian Crawford 6-1/190 DeAndre Washington 5-8/191 Jace Amaro 6-5/260

Pos. OLB FL OLB SS SE FL CB SE FS QB MLB WLB QB IR FL OLB QB OLB IR OLB OLB MLB WR IR CB QB FS QB CB MLB SE SS SE OLB SS RB TE

Yr.-Exp. Hometown/HS Sr.-3L Garland Naaman Forest Fr.-RS Tenaha So.-Tr Calvert So.-1L Irving Nimitz Fr.-HS Lithonia, Ga., MLK Jr.-2L Odessa Sr.-3L Killeen Shoemaker Fr.-HS Clarksville Sr.-3L Midwest City, Okla. Fr.-HS Lake Travis Fr.-RS Dallas Bryan Adams Sr.-1L Riverside, Calif. Fr.-HS Prosper Sr.-1L Riverside, Calif. Jr.-2L Fort Lauderdale, Fla. So.-1L McKeesport, Penn. Fr.-HS Canyon Randall So.-1L Longview So.-1L Mesquite Horn Fr.-HS Lithonia, Ga., MLB Fr.-HS Loganville, Ga. Jr.-2L Garland Lakeview Fr.-HS Manvel Fr.-HS Whitehouse Fr.-RS Lancaster Fr.-RS Abilene Cooper Fr.-RS Snyder So.-1L Lake Travis Fr.-HS Munday So.-1L Mansfield Summit Sr.-3L Wichita Falls Rider Fr.-HS Port Arthur Memorial So.-1L Brenham Fr.-HS Leander Jr.-Tr S.D. Scripps Ranch So.-1L Sugar Land Marshall Jr.-2L SA MacArthur

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

Red Raiders 2013 Roster

No. 23 24 24 25 26 26 27 27 28 28 29 29 30 31 32

Name Ht./Wt. Jeremy Reynolds 5-9/175 Bruce Jones 5-7/183 Tyler Middleton 5-11/195 Blake Dees 6-0/230 Ryan Erxleben 6-1/190 John White 5-10/200 Brad Pearson 6-3/210 Zach Winbush 6-1/225 Martin Hill 5-11/180 Dominique Wheeler 6-1/185 Ola Falemi 5-9/160 Josh Talbott 6-0/200 Austin Stewart 6-0/206 Justin Nelson 6-2/170 Brandon Bagley 5-10/170

Pos. CB CB RB ILB P FS IR ILB CB SE CB RB OLB CB CB

Yr.-Exp. Hometown/HS So.-1L Greensboro, N.C. Sr.-1L Eastvale, Calif. Jr.-Tr Midland Jr.-2L Spanish Fort, Ala. Sr.-3L Lake Travis So.-Sq Bremond So.-1L Monterey Jr.-2L Schertz Clemens Jr.-Tr St. Louis Luth. North Fr.-RS Crockett Sr.-1L Carson, Calif., Banning Sr.-Sq Argyle Liberty Christian Jr.-1L Matthews, N.C. Fr.-HS Dallas Christian Jr.-1L Compton, Calif.

No. 33 34 34 35 36 37 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 45 46

Name Ht./Wt. Omar Ontiveros 6-1/245 Tanner Jacobson 5-10/180 Kenny Williams 5-9/225 Brandon DeFrance 5-11/185 Theirry Nguema 5-10/160 Bobby Esiaba 6-0/205 Quinton White 5-7/200 Summitt Hogue 5-11/195 Kahlee Woods 6-0/233 Rodney Hall 5-10/245 Malik Jenkins 6-2/205 Taylor Symmank 6-2/185 Jackson Richards 6-4/275 Kramer Fyfe 5-8/165 Chris Knighton 6-1/252

Pos. FB FS RB WR CB LB RB S WLB FB MLB K/P DT K DE

Yr.-Exp. Sr.-2L Fr.-HS Jr.-2L Sr.-Sq Fr.-RS So.-Sq Fr.-RS So.-1L Fr.-HS So.-Tr Fr.-HS So.-Sq Jr.-2L Jr.-2L Sr.-3L

Hometown/HS Austin Westlake Southlake Carroll Hendrickson Colleyville Heritage Corona, Calif. Dallastown, Penn. A&M Consolidated Frenship Sherman Angleton Ennis McKinney Boyd Southlake Carroll Austin Lake Travis Longview

48 49 50 51 51 52 53 54 56 57 58 61 62 63 65 66 67 70 71 72 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 91 94 96 98

Ryan Bustin 5-11/180 Armond Weh-Weh 5-11/205 Tyler Scalzi 6-4/225 Demetrious Alston 6-3/260 Tony Morales 6-3/315 Parker Bradham 6-0/210 Kindred Evans 6-3/230 Dartwan Bush 6-1/260 Alfredo Morales 6-3/321 David Brenner 6-0/210 Josh Outlaw 6-3/290 Emiliano Renteria 6-3/295 Le’Raven Clark 6-5/320 James Polk 6-6/335 Baylen Brown 6-4/305 Ryan Messer 6-4/275 Matt Wilson 6-6/280 Cody Hayes 6-5/275 Rashad Fortenberry 6-5/297 Beau Carpenter 6-6/295 Joey White 6-4/320 Jared Kaster 6-3/285 Bennett Ofor 6-3/255 Trey Keenan 6-6/275 Blake Snider 6-6/255 Poet Thomas 6-5/335 Grant Eubank 5-9/155 Brent Mitcham 5-8/185 Jacob Hurla 6-3/190 Zach Austin 6-0/170 Jordan Davis 5-9/174 Peyton Williams 6-1/180 Aaron Fisher 6-2/200 Hunter Weishuhn 6-5/230 Kerry Hyder 6-2/288 Donte Phillips 6-2/280 Dennell Wesley 6-1/310 Anthony Smith 5-10/325

K RB LB DT G/C DS DE DE G/C DS OT OL OT OG C OL OT OG OT G/T OL C DL OG OL OT WR IR IR WR IR SE IR TE DT NT NT NT

Jr.-1L Kilgore Fr.-HS Sugar Land Kempner Fr.-RS Flower Mound So.-Tr Norcross, Ga. So.-Sq Sam Houston Fr.-HS Aledo Jr.-2L South Grand Prairie Sr.-3L Clute Brazoswood So.-1L Arlington Houston So.-Sq Plano Canyon Creek Fr.-HS Lithonia, Ga., MLK Fr.-HS Lamesa So.-1L Rockdale Jr.-2L Alief Elsik Fr.-HS SA O’Connor Fr.-HS Arlington Nolan So.-Sq Coldspring-Oakhurst Fr.-HS FW Eastern Hills Sr.-1L Tylertown, Miss. Jr.-2L Sulphur Springs Jr.-Tr Wimberley So.-1L Altair Rice Jr.-Tr Fr. Clear Brook Fr.-RS Argyle So.-Tr Frisco Legacy Christ. Fr.-HS Beverly Hills, Mich. Fr.-HS Wall Jr.-Sq Hou. Cypress Creek Jr.-Tr Topeka, Kan., Seaman Fr.-HS Lake Travis Jr.-1L Arlington Fr.-Tr So.uthlake Carroll Sr.-3L Keller Fossil Ridge Fr.-HS Seminole Sr.-3L Austin LBJ So.-1L Mequon, Wis. Sr.-2L St. Augustine, Fla. Fr.-HS Spring Westfield

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

Texas Tech Football Preview

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Texas Tech’s Hot Topics DON WILLIAMS

KRISTA PIRTLE

ZACH LONG

Which quarterback will play the most?

Tough call, but I’ll say Davis Webb. His six-month head start on Baker Mayfield, plus Michael Brewer’s injury make Webb the slight favorite. He has the big-time arm and leadership qualities to be a multi-year starter.

Freshman Davis Webb. He graduated early and spent all spring and summer getting to know the guys.

Davis Webb is a safer pick, given the unknown circumstances surrounding Michael Brewer’s back injury. Webb has earned the respect of this team and has a huge upside. The ride may be bumpy at times but look for the freshman to lock down this job for the foreseeable future.

Who will be Texas Tech’s leading rusher?

Kenny Williams took a big step up last year, and he was only a sophomore. Now he has some experience to go along with that toughness and balance.

Senior running back Kenny Williams is gunning for the 1,000-yard mark this season. He should be able to get there, even with the depth at this position.

DeAndre Washington. Tech is deep at the running back position, but Washington’s speed will rack up more yards than Kenny Williams. Look for Washington to push for more carries each week with his performances.

Who will be Texas Tech’s leading receiver?

With Darrin Moore gone, Eric Ward is the clear primary target. It’s easy to picture him cracking 80 catches for the third year in a row and 1,000 yards for the second year in a row.

Junior tight end Jace Amaro is looking for this year to really be his breakout year. Slant routes for short passes will allow him to run over whoever gets in his way.

Eric Ward. This is not a real risky pick but Ward came back to school on a mission to increase his draft stock and have solid senior season. His work ethic is one of the best on the team and his numbers will represent that this season.

Who will be the team leader in sacks?

Pete Robertson. Branden Jackson’s move to end made Robertson a starter. I’m interested to see if Mike Smith can have the success with Robertson this year that he had coaching the Jets’ Aaron Maybin two years ago.

Senior Dartwan Bush was up there last season with fellow senior Kerry Hyder. With all the crazy defensive formations and the focus on Hyder, Bush will have ample opportunities to get some sacks.

Dartwan Bush. Kerry Hyder will attract a lot of attention this year and rack up sacks. However, Bush will benefit from the attention paid to Hyder. Teammates have pegged Bush to have a big year, and I’m right there with them.

West Virginia in mid-October. It’s a new frontier for the Red Raiders, visiting a place no Tech football team has ever been.

The Thursday night faceoff with TCU. The players in the Big 12 tabbed the Horned Frogs to win the conference. How Tech performs in this game will tell how it will play the remainder of the season.

TCU on Sept 12. The game against the Horned Frogs is the Red Raiders’ chance to send a statement on what 2013 holds. A win on national TV against preseason all-conference quarterback Casey Pachall would send a warning shot to the Big 12 on the Red Raiders’ maturation progress.

Freshman wide receiver Reginald Davis. With the quick-tempo offense and the amount of plays Kingsbury plans on running per game, he should get plenty of reps on the outside.

Reginald Davis. Several Red Raiders have been quick to point out the redshirt freshman receiver. Davis possesses elite level speed that will yield separation from cornerbacks. Look for Davis to become a favorite target of whoever is throwing the ball.

Which game interests you the most?

Which non-starter will emerge and make a name for himself?

Sadale Foster made a name for himself last year, but he might be a backup at more than one position. That’s misleading because he might play an even bigger role than before. Coaches love the guy’s toughness and attitude.

How and where will the Red Raiders end their season?

At the Pinstripe Bowl in New York, where Kliff Kingsbury could wind up seeing Houston and his old Cougars quarterback, David Piland.

A 6-6 regular season with a trip to the Pinstripe Bowl.

A 6-6 or 7-5 record. Kingsbury has his work cut out for him with a young quarterback, a thin offensive line and an undersized front seven for the 3-4 defense.

A bowl game. However, Tech fans will see this year as a success no matter what happens because the Red Raiders have Kingsbury as the head coach.

What will constitute a success for Kliff Kingsbury’s first year?

Ultimately I think the Red Raiders’ offense has too many weapons. However, the closing portion of the schedule is brutal. 8-5 with a win in the Pinstripe Bowl over Cincinnati. Wouldn’t that be fun? Kingsbury has a wealth of support from a feisty Texas Tech fan base. His first campaign will be judged on how he handles the quarterback situation and how much the Red Raiders’ defense improves. An eight-win season would be a huge success for the first-year head coach.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

Sept. 12, TCU: Put your best foot forward The Horned Frogs venture to Lubbock after losing to Texas Tech in Fort Worth in 2012 in triple overtime. Not only will TCU come to town with a vengeance, it will also bring 15 returning starters – the second most in the Big 12 behind Texas. Despite two starting quarterbacks returning for TCU, its main strength is in the defense. This first conference game for Tech will be huge. In a league with such great parity, every win counts to put a team ahead of the pack.

Oct. 5 at Kansas: Not buying it At Big 12 Media Days last month, Kansas head coach Charlie Weis called his team a “pile of crap.” Be careful not to fall into the deception of overlooking Kansas because it’s Kansas. In the offseason, Weis signed 15 JUCO players and hauled in three transfers. Of the 15 JUCO athletes, three of them are three-star athletes. Furthermore, the Jayhawks play better on their home field. With Late Night in the Phog the night before in Lawrence, the home crowd is sure to be fired up. Overlooking this game could result in a loss if Tech isn’t careful.

Oct. 19 at West Virginia: Runnin’ runnin’ West Virginia lost three of its top offensive threats to the NFL Draft this past April. The Mountaineers’ run game, however, will be a force to be reckoned with on the road for Texas Tech. Juniors Andrew Buie and Dustin Garrison, junior college transfer Dreamius Smith and Houston transfer Charles Sims lead the ground attack. Last season, Texas Tech was ninth in the Big 12 in rushing defense, but the story most likely won’t come on the defensive side of the ball. With WVU head coach Dana Holgorsen and Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury, this game will be high scoring.

Nov. 2, Oklahoma State: Quarterback to coach Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury joins Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy as a quarterback for his alma mater turned head coach of that same team. In recent years, Oklahoma State has finished at the top of the Big 12 due to its prolific offense. The Cowboys and Red Raiders are both deep at receiver and should move the ball up and down the field. Tech’s advantage is that this ball game is played in Lubbock; however, that could not be enough to upset Oklahoma State.

Nov. 16, Baylor: Return to upper echelon Both sides won’t admit it, but these two teams battle each year in November to achieve turf in the upper echelon of the Big 12. The past two years Tech has lost to Baylor and found itself in the bottom half of the conference. Yet again, this game could make or break Tech’s bowl game chances for the season. Furthermore, with its depth at running back, Baylor should be very prolific on the ground, something the Texas Tech defense has struggled with. While most people will point to the next game on the schedule for the Red Raiders, the Thanksgiving game at Texas, this game holds more importance to Texas Tech. Getting back to the upper half of the Big 12 starts with a win over Baylor.

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Aug. 30 @ SMU

Red Raiders

Sept. 7 Stephen F. Austin

Schedule Breakdown

Sept. 12 TCU Sept. 21 Texas State Oct. 5 @ Kansas Oct. 12 Iowa State Oct. 19 @ West Virginia Oct. 26 @ Oklahoma Nov. 2 Oklahoma State Nov. 9 Kansas State Nov. 16 Baylor Nov. 28 @ Texas

2013

Aug. 30, SMU: Beginning of an era This day is what Texas Tech football fans have been waiting for since December. The Kliff Kingsbury era begins on the road against the SMU Mustangs. This game should be closer than expected, with SMU returning its quarterback in Garrett Gilbert. SMU’s new offensive coordinator, Hal Mumme, along with former Tech head coach Mike Leach, developed the Air Raid offense. This game will test the Red Raiders’ new-look secondary and showcase its lightningfast offense.

Oct. 12, Iowa State: Homesick This homecoming matchup is Texas Tech’s lone game in Lubbock during the month of October. Iowa State sophomore quarterback Sam Richardson played the final three games for the Cyclones, bringing experience to the team. This game should be a good opportunity for the Red Raiders to add to the win column.

Oct. 26 at Oklahoma: Things change The last time the Red Raiders played in Norman, they snapped Oklahoma’s 39-game home win streak with a 41-38 victory. Both teams have changed substantially since then. Tech gained a new head coach. Both teams lost starting quarterbacks. And, for the first time since the Big 12 had 10 schools, the Sooners aren’t picked to win the conference. While anything can happen under the lights of college football, a win would be a bit of a stretch.

Nov. 9, Kansas State: Final home stand This is the final home game for the Red Raiders in 2013. Defending Big 12 Champion Kansas State lost Heisman finalist Collin Klein but returns eight starters on offense. While the Wildcats return only a pair of starters on the defensive side of the ball, they have an abundance of players on defense that saw action last year. Most importantly, don’t underestimate Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder. This game could come at a crucial time for Texas Tech if the Red Raiders are still short of six wins on the season.

Nov. 28 at Texas: Turkey or steak? Texas Tech finishes off the regular season with a Thanksgiving matchup at Texas. The biggest question for this game is whether or not junior David Ash will still have the reigns for the Longhorn offense at quarterback. Another factor that will play into this game is how injuries have plagued both teams. For Texas Tech to come out with a win, it must stop the trio of forces on the ground Texas has in juniors Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron and sophomore Johnathan Gray.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

Big 12 Conference Schedules

Baylor Bears Date Opponent Site Aug. 31 Wofford Waco Sept. 7 Buffalo Waco Sept. 21 La. Monroe Waco * Oct. 5 W. Virginia Waco * Oct. 12 Kan. State Manhattan * Oct. 19 Iowa State Waco * Oct. 26 Kansas Lawrence * Nov. 7 Oklahoma Waco * Nov. 16 Texas Tech Arlington * Nov. 23 Okla. State Stillwater * Nov. 30 TCU Fort Worth * Dec. 7 Texas Waco

Time 6:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 6:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA

Kansas Jayhawks Date Opponent Site Sept. 7 S. Dakota Lawrence Sept. 14 Rice Houston Sept. 21 La. Tech Lawrence * Oct. 5 Texas Tech Lawrence * Oct. 12 TCU Fort Worth * Oct. 19 Oklahoma Lawrence * Oct. 26 Baylor Lawrence * Nov. 2 Texas Austin * Nov. 9 Okla. State Stillwater * Nov. 16 W. Virginia Lawrence * Nov. 23 Iowa State Ames * Nov. 30 Kan. State Lawrence

Time 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

Oklahoma Sooners Date Opponent Site Aug. 31 La. Monroe Norman * Sept. 7 W. Virginia Norman Sept. 14 Tulsa Norman Sept. 28 Notre Dame South Bend * Oct. 5 TCU Norman * Oct. 12 Texas Dallas * Oct. 19 Kansas Lawrence * Oct. 26 Texas Tech Norman * Nov. 7 Baylor Waco * Nov. 16 Iowa State Norman * Nov. 23 Kansas State Manhattan * Dec. 7 Okla. State Stillwater

Time 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 11 a.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 6:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA

TCU Horned Frogs Date Opponent Site Aug. 31 LSU Arlington Sept. 7 SE Louisiana Fort Worth * Sept. 12 Texas Tech Lubbock Sept. 28 SMU Fort Worth * Oct. 5 Oklahoma Norman * Oct. 12 Kansas Fort Worth * Oct. 19 Okla. State Stillwater * Oct. 26 Texas Fort Worth * Nov. 2 W. Virginia Fort Worth * Nov. 9 Iowa State Ames * Nov. 16 Kansas State Manhattan * Nov. 30 Baylor Fort Worth

Time 8 p.m. 11 a.m. 6 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

Texas Tech Red Raiders Date Opponent Site Aug. 30 SMU Dallas Sept. 7 Stephen F. Austin Lubbock * Sept. 12 TCU Lubbock Sept. 21 Texas State Lubbock * Oct. 5 Kansas Lawrence * Oct. 12 Iowa State Lubbock * Oct. 19 W. Virginia Morgantown * Oct. 26 Oklahoma Norman * Nov. 2 Okla. State Lubbock * Nov. 9 Kansas State Lubbock * Nov. 16 Baylor Arlington * Nov. 28 Texas Austin

Time 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 6:30 p.m.

Iowa State Cyclones Date Opponent Site Aug. 31 N. Illinois Ames Sept. 14 Iowa Ames Sept. 26 Tulsa Tulsa, Okla. * Oct. 3 Texas Ames * Oct. 12 Texas Tech Lubbock * Oct. 19 Baylor Waco * Oct. 26 Okla. State Ames * Nov. 2 Kan. State Manhattan * Nov. 9 TCU Ames * Nov. 16 Oklahoma Norman * Nov. 23 Kansas Ames * Nov. 30 W. Virginia Morgantown

Time 7 p.m. 5 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

Kansas State Wildcats Date Opponent Site Aug. 30 N.D. State Manhattan Sept. 7 Louisiana Manhattan Sept. 14 Massachusetts Manhattan * Sept. 21 Texas Austin * Oct. 5 Okla. State Stillwater * Oct. 12 Baylor Manhattan * Oct. 26 W. Virginia Manhattan * Nov. 2 Iowa State Manhattan * Nov. 9 Texas Tech Lubbock * Nov. 16 TCU Manhattan * Nov. 23 Oklahoma Manhattan * Nov. 30 Kansas Lawrence

Time 7:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

Oklahoma State Cowboys Date Opponent Site Aug. 31 Miss. State Houston Sept. 7 UTSA San Antonio Sept. 14 Lamar Stillwater * Sept. 28 W. Virginia Morgantown * Oct. 5 Kansas State Stillwater * Oct. 19 TCU Stillwater * Oct. 26 Iowa State Ames * Nov. 2 Texas Tech Lubbock * Nov. 9 Kansas Stillwater * Nov. 16 Texas Austin * Nov. 23 Baylor Stillwater * Dec. 7 Oklahoma Stillwater

Time 2:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 6:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

Texas Longhorns Date Opponent Site Aug. 31 N.M. State Austin Sept. 7 Brigham Young Provo Sept. 14 Ole Miss Austin * Sept. 21 Kansas State Austin * Oct. 3 Iowa State Ames * Oct. 12 Oklahoma Dallas * Oct. 26 TCU Fort Worth * Nov. 2 Kansas Austin * Nov. 9 W. Virginia Morgantown * Nov. 16 Okla. State Austin * Nov. 28 Texas Tech Austin * Dec. 7 Baylor Waco

Time 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. TBA 6:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 6:30 p.m. TBA

West Virginia Mountaineers Date Opponent Site Aug. 31 William & Mary Morgantown * Sept. 7 Oklahoma Norman Sept. 14 Georgia State Morgantown Sept. 21 Maryland Baltimore * Sept. 28 Okla. State Morgantown * Oct. 5 Baylor Waco * Oct. 19 Texas Tech Morgantown * Oct. 26 Kansas State Manhattan * Nov. 2 TCU Fort Worth * Nov. 9 Texas Morgantown * Nov. 16 Kansas Lawrence * Nov. 30 Iowa State Morgantown

Time 11 a.m. 6 p.m. 11 a.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL