Texas Tech Football
Players to Watch
ESPN's Big 12 blogger Tim Griffin had some items yesterday, up first is ten Big 12 names to remember, mentioning DE Brandon Sesay. I've heard some rumblings that Sesay may also be gone by the time that fall practices rolls around due to grades. There's no doubt that Sesay is immensely talented, but I'm hearing that he may have some work to do to get back into good graces.
Griffin also ponders how much Texas Tech will miss QB Graham Harrell and WR Michael Crabtree:
5. How much will Texas Tech miss Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree? Most are thinking that the loss of Harrell and Crabtree will be too much for the Red Raiders to overcome. But Texas Tech coach Mike Leach has quietly -- at least for him -- maintained that he likes his current group of replacements. Taylor Potts will have more experience coming into the program than any of the one-year players who preceded Harrell. All that group (Sonny Cumbie, B.J. Symons and Cody Hodges) did was average nearly 4,943 yards and 38.3 touchdown passes per season in their only season starting, so maybe Leach's comments should be considered. And at wide receiver, the Red Raiders won't have the overall star power of Crabtree, but will still have capable replacements in players like Detron Lewis, Lyle Leong, Edward Britton, Alex Torres, Adrian Reese and Tramain Swindall who should be ready.
Finally, Griffin tabs WR Adrian Reese as a player to emerge this year:
Texas Tech WR Adrian Reese: After learning more about the Red Raiders' system during his redshirt season, the 6-foot-7, 207-pound Reese blossomed as a capable receiver during the spring. Watch for him to emerge as one of Tech QB Tyler Potts' top receiving threats during 2009.
Perhaps it was only one spring game practice that I saw, but I'm not so sure that Reese is going to be a guy that has a huge role for Texas Tech. Reese could be really valuable in and around the goal line, but honestly, Reese was getting 2nd and 3rd team looks and I can't recall any one special play that he made. If it were me, I would have picked redshirt freshman LT Terry McDaniel who I think is going to have a big impact.
WR Detron Lewis Moving Into Spotlight
Rivals.com's Mike Huguenin thinks that WR Detron Lewis will move into the spotlight this year:
Texas Tech WR Detron Lewis: Usually, when a guy has 76 receptions for 913 yards, he gets a lot of notice. Not so for Lewis, who was lost in the considerable shadow cast by Michael Crabtree last season. Well, Crabtree is gone, and Lewis should be the Red Raiders’ leading receiver this season. A 100-catch, 1,100-yard, 12-TD season is a legit goal for Lewis as he works with new starting quarterback Taylor Potts.
I couldn't agree more.
Graham Harrell, Waiting Patiently and Playing Golf
Abeline Reporter-News' Greg Jaklewicz hooked up with UT's QB Colt McCoy, WR Jordan Shipley, Houston QB Case Keenum and former Red Raider, QB Graham Harrell at the Zach Robinson Memorial Golf Tournament at Abeline Country Club. I'm not going to comment too much on the article, other than to mention that Harrell is still waiting, patiently.
What If Texas Tech Loses to Houston
RRS.com's Joe Yeager wonders what would happen if Texas Tech were to lose to Houston. No offense to Houston, but losing to anyone on the non-conference schedule would be a bad loss in my opinion.
Big 12 AD Meetings
DMN's Chuck Carlton writes that the Big 12 AD meetings will focus on cutting costs.