Run it up: Texas Tech RB’s proving to be vital in each week

Is this Texas Tech team good, I think they’ve proven so. Can defense hold down the fort? Definitely.

Is the Red Raider offense in full swing. Almost. Maybe more like a bunt then aiming for the fences but we are getting there.

However, Texas Tech and its running backs have proven to take over the show, time-and-time again.

We, as Red raider enthusiasts, need to give these guys the recognition they deserve. But first, we need to break down why they are so productive on the field. Here’s my take on the Red Raider running backs and their success.

Our leading rusher is a freshman:

Yeah, that’s right. Texas Tech got quite catch a catch, (no pun intended), when the team signed Ta’Zhawn Henry to become a Red Raider. I’m sure running back coach Clay McGuire didn't expect this young man to get on the field and instantly make an impact, but that’s exactly what he did. Henry is getting the job done, and here’s how.

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In the five games played this season, Henry leads all Red Raiders with 261 yards in 54 attempts. Oh, did I forget to mention, other than our one-mobile quarterback, Henry leads the entire Texas Tech football team with seven touchdowns.

Yeah, this kid gets it done for the Red Raiders.

Freshman RB’s proving their potential:

Let me make this clear, just because Henry is showing out on a whole other level doesnt mean the Red Raiders dont have an entire core of Freshman running backs who can get the job done in the next four years.

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Along with Henry, Tech also has freshman running back’s SaRodorick Thompson and Jake Levrier. Out of the two, Thompson has seen the most playing time performing in four games and recording 108 yards in 25 attempts. Now with Levrier, we know nothing. However, if he’s anything like his teammates, we’ll see him run the ball a lot more next season.

Upperclassmen’s mentoring leads the way:

Even though an underclassmen has taken control with the running back game this season, we cant count out the upperclassmen and their knowledge on the field. Do you think Henry is so good out of nowhere? It’s because of his talent, skill, and mentors.

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Out of the six running backs Tech has, only two are seniors, and another has experience at the Division 1 level as a sophomore. But these older Red Raiders, they know what its like to taste defeat for four-consecutive years, and their tired of it.

Victory is just too sweet.

Not only are the older running backs feeding knowledge to the younger guys, they are also eating in the endzone too.

Felton is second among Tech RB’s with 226 yards in just 45 attempts and four touchdowns. King isn't quite as dominant this season with 55 yards in 15 attempts and no touchdowns, but he still has six games to get himself together. However, Ward has done his job marking 118 yards in 23 attempts with two touchdowns.

Not one running back is failing:

Out of the core of running backs, I haven’t seen many mistakes. I’ve seen the gaps open up wide, and the ball handed off to the guys on the side of the QB who rushes it in for a Texas Tech touchdown, or at least a first down.

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Heck, even against TCU on Thursday, Oct. 11, we had quarterback Jett Duffey be the leading rusher with 83 yards and one rushing touchdown, which I also have mixed feelings about, but I wont go there.

But, all-in-all, these running backs are solid. Actually, more than solid, they are extremely talented and are steering this offense in the right direction. As a group, they’ve accumulated 1,033 yards in 219 carries and have more touchdowns than the entire team with 18.

The question still remains though: Can these running backs continue to bring Texas Tech back? And who will lead the way for this young, yet experienced crew?