Red Raider Gridiron | Brewer and Jackson Discuss Changes in Atmosphere

STORIES OF THE DAY

Well, the first practice was completed yesterday and darn it feels good to see Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury out there doing some coaching. I have no idea what he's doing, but it looks terrific. At the end of this section, I'll post a handful of videos from yesterday's practice. And you should thank the video department and Brandon Rawe for putting all of this together. What you're getting from Texas Tech is really unique. There is also a handful of photos from the official site for you to drool over and note that Kingsbury is wearing cut-off sweat pants. Now that is a look I can pull off.

So, the story of yesterday was the music. Music blaring from the speakers and this is something that Kingsbury said that he and Sumlin did while at Houston. Kingsbury made it clear that he wants the players to have fun, that they aren't paid professionals, and he wants them to have a good time. It was strange to listen to the reactions of QB Michael Brewer and LB Branden Jackson. Brewer's comment, with a slight smile on his face, about the music and the tempo and the atmosphere being different than last year was slight, but telling.

Just a little bit different than last year.

Yep, just a little bit different. Jackson commented about the tempo. That last year was fast, but this year, it's at a different speed. Fifty plays in a single session, and for those of you keeping score at home, that's a lot.

The LAJ has a story on Kingsbury's first practice (you can watch all of Kingsbury's interview on the YouTube) and a weight being lifted off of his shoulders. I don't know that I'll really ever has long flowing quotes from Kingsbury. He keeps his answers pretty short and sweet. So, when he's asked about what it was like to get on the field, this was about it:

"That’s why I got in this business," Kingsbury said, "to be around these kids out here on the field. It’s definitely a relief. It felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders to come out here. I just needed to start coaching again."

Next question.

There is actually a ton of news in the LAJ notebook. Take your time going through that, but here are the highlights:

• There will be the return of the "Raider" which is a call-back to the Spike Dykes era and a linebacker/safety combo and to fit that bill is Terrance Bullitt.
• Tre Porter is slotted at free safety right now with J.J. Gaines at strong safety. There is the note that Austin Stewart and Keenon Ward will play safety as will wide receiver convert Shawn Corker.
• Le'Raven Clark is penciled in at left tackle. Kingsbury does talk about the lack of numbers, actual bodies, available to play offensive line, which is why he signed five offensive linemen in the last class. Only having ten right now is a bit problematic. Nobody needs to get hurt.
• Branden Jackson is apparently very happy that he'll be playing linebacker. I can't wait to see this in action.

The DMN has three short articles that pretty much covers all of the above, here (about the music), here (about the players not on the roster) and here (about Brewer).

NOTEBOOK

SPRING PREVIEWS | RRS had to get their preview on and get out two positional previews in just one day, the linebackers and the defensive backs . . . ESPN's Ubben answered a question about Texas Tech and he freakin' hates YOU . . . CBS Sports and ESPN have a spring practice primers . . .

RANKING THE 2014 RB'S | The DMN ranks the state of Texas running backs for the 2014 class and Justin Stockton is at #6. I just love his speed.

VIDEOS