Over the next two weeks, we're analyzing depth charts of every team in the Big 12 coming out of spring camp. We continue the series today with Texas Tech. The Red Raiders have not released an official post-spring depth chart, so this is merely an educated projection.
OFFENSE (projected starters in bold)
QB: Patrick Mahomes (So.) or Davis Webb (Jr.), Nic Shimonek (So.)
Not your typical quarterback battle. Tech coaches and players believe they can win with both Mahomes and Webb. Mahomes made progress this spring despite his commitments to baseball. Webb’s shoulder recovery prevented him from getting much live work this spring. Their competition will continue into August.
RB: DeAndre Washington (Sr.), Justin Stockton (So.), Quinton White (Jr.), Demarcus Felton (RFr.)
Tech coaches love what they have in Washington, an all-purpose back who’ll chase 1,000 yards again in 2015. But it’s probably Stockton who made the biggest gains this spring. He’ll be one of the fastest backs in the Big 12 this fall. White and Felton will make plays, too. If these guys stay healthy, ESPN 300 signee Corey Dauphine could redshirt.
WR-X: Devin Lauderdale (Jr.), Jakari Dillard (RFr.)
WR-Z: Reginald Davis (Jr.) or Dylan Cantrell (Jr.)
WR-H: Jakeem Grant (Sr.), Cameron Batson (So.)
WR-Y: Ian Sadler (So.), Brad Pearson (Sr.)
The Red Raiders generally know what they have in the projected starters. Lauderdale came on strong late in the season, Grant does big things in space and Sadler has a bright future. Davis didn’t play up to expectations last year and will continue to battle with Cantrell. Tech will count on a few of their six incoming freshman receivers to play. Watch out for J.F. Thomas if he’s able to qualify.
LT: Le’Raven Clark (Sr.), Paul Stawarz (So.)
LG: Alfredo Morales (Sr.), Emeka Okafor (Sr.)
C: Jared Kaster (Sr.), Tony Morales (Sr.)
RG: Baylen Brown (Jr.), Robert Castaneda (RFr.)
RT: Justin Murphy (RFr.), Poet Thomas (So.)
Clark is one of the Big 12’s best and one of three senior starters, but depth is going to be the question mark for this group. Stawarz (juco transfer) and Okafor (Houston graduate transfer) need to be ready to help when they enroll. On the bright side, Tech brings back four starters from a group that allowed just 13 sacks in 2014. Murphy, a second-year lineman with a mean streak, made a big impression this spring.
DEFENSE
DE: Branden Jackson (Sr.), Gary Moore (So.)
DT: Rika Levi (Sr.), Anthony Smith (Jr.)
DT: Keland McElrath (Sr.), Demetrius Alston (Sr.), Breiden Fehoko (Fr.)
DE: Pete Robertson (Sr.), Kris Williams (Jr.)
New defensive coordinator David Gibbs has big expectations for Robertson and Jackson off the edge. Levi has made encouraging progress by shedding a ton of weight (more than 40 pounds) following a disappointing season. The early reviews on the much-hyped Fehoko exiting spring ball were consistently positive.
SLB: Sam Atoe (Jr.), Jacarthy Mack (So.)
MLB: Micah Awe (Sr.), Dakota Allen (RFr.)
WLB: Mike Mitchell (So.), Malik Jenkins (Jr.)
The Red Raiders need a big season from Awe, who finished third on the team in tackles (69) last season despite making being credited with only four starts. Mitchell is still catching up to the nuances of his role after sitting out two seasons, but the Ohio State transfer has a ton of talent. Freshman D'Vonta Hinton should help this group immediately, too.
CB: Justis Nelson (Jr.), Tevin Madison (So.)
CB: Nigel Bethel II (So.), D.J. Polite-Bray (Jr.)
S: Keenon Ward (Jr.), Payton Hendrix (RFr.), John White (Sr.)
S: J.J. Gaines (Sr.), Jalen Barnes (So.), Derrick Dixon (So.)
A relatively group, but one that should grow up in 2015. Nelson brings versatility and experience, while Bethel and Madison had to learn on the go as true freshmen last season. Ward and Gaines will be pushed by some quality young options at safety. The staff expects ESPN 300 signee Jamile Johnson Jr. to help early on. Gibbs demands turnovers and will roll with whomever shows a knack for nabbing them.
