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Red Raiders Impressing. I have an editorial problem, which is that some of you don't like when I refer to players as former Red Raiders and I get the idea of "once a Red Raider, always a Red Raider" but I'm trying to distinguish between current players and former players. Anyway, two former Red Raiders continue to do well in NFL preseason camps. Up first, Dartwan Bush continues to catch the eye of former NFL scout Bryan Broaddus:
He is physically not the most impressive player when you stand next to him on the field but he does play with several traits that gives him a chance to succeed. He is relentless when he is coming off the ball. There is a burst along with initial quickness. He can get on the blocker quickly and his technique has improved since his first days on the squad. You see him work combinations with his hands as he is moving up the field. At this point, he is a much better player against the pass than he is the run but for a defense that is looking for healthy bodies to line up and play, Dartwan Bush has opened a few eyes with his play so far.
Up next is Kerry Hyder is also making waves with the NY Jets and catching the eye of their head coach:
7. Ryan praises Kerry Hyder. A 6-foot-2, 280-pound defensive lineman, Hyder is an undrafted free agent out of Texas Tech, where he teamed with fellow rookie Jace Amaro. "I think that Kerry Hyder has popped out of nowhere. ... I think he's been a pleasant surprise."
Texas College Hires Blackshear. Good for Rodney Blackshear, who was hired by Texas College as their new head football coach. Recently, Blackshear was coaching middle school in Irving of all places. Blackshear has a ton of arena league experience as a coach and player. Let's do this.
Clark at #10. OL Le'Raven Clark was ranked as the #10 player in the Big 12, I think this gives Texas Tech three total players. Here's the bit on Clark:
10. Le'Raven Clark, OG, Texas Tech: Clark was a freshman All-American tackle two years ago and a first-team All-Big 12 performer last season as the anchor of the Texas Tech offensive line. With the addition of junior-college tackle Dominique Robertson, Clark is moving inside to guard, a more natural position for his 315-pound frame. Clark already has proven to be a terrific pass-blocker, but he could also become a road-grader in the run game in his new spot.
Let's Get to the Questions. No room for words, Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury doesn't have much use for words.
Amendola Has to Prove It. I honestly don't follow the NFL enough to know whether this article's portrayal of Danny Amendola's first year at New England was a struggle. Maybe it wasn't what they expected because Amendola wasn't Wes Welker. In any event, as the article notes, Amendola finished with 2nd on the team in receptions and he's feeling good:
"I feel comfortable," Amendola said. "It's different. A year under your belt in a new system, in a new place, in a new organization, it's kind of like when a rookie comes in for the first time and tries to learn the offense. It might be difficult at times, but that second year that learning curve is much less. I feel very comfortable right now. I'm just trying to come out here and work."
Miscellaneous. Crimson and Cream Machine ranks the Big 12 linebackers and has the Red Raiders ranked #6 . . . Frogs O' War ranks the Big 12 non-conference games . . . the Amway Coaches Poll was released and Texas Tech received votes and the Longhorns were ranked . . . CFN previews the Red Raiders with some positive reviews . . .
