Texas Tech backup QB Davis Webb announces plans to transfer

Wednesday night, Texas Tech backup quarterback Davis Webb announced via Twitter that he intends to transfer from the university in order to find playing time at another school. The senior from Prosper, Texas will graduate from Texas Tech after the spring 2016 semester with his bachelors’ degree meaning he will not have to sit out next season and will be eligible to play immediately.

The statement below is from Webb’s official Twitter account @Davis_Webb7

As a true freshman in 2013, Webb started six games while battling fellow true freshman Baker Mayfield for the starting position throughout the season. Eventually, Webb won the starting job for the 2013 Holiday Bowl causing Mayfield to leave Texas Tech for Oklahoma.

Webb would earn MVP honors in the game passing for 403 yards and 4 touchdowns in Texas Tech’s victory over Arizona State. However, as a sophomore Webb was ineffective and prone to making mistakes at the most inopportune time.

In 2014 Webb threw 13 interceptions in only 8 games. An injury forced him to miss the final four games of the season opening the door for Pat Mahomes II to take the reins of the Texas Tech offense.

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With Mahomes’ stellar play in 2015, Webb did not start any games and attempted only 41 passes in mop up duty.

Unlike the situation surrounding Mayfield’s departure from Texas Tech, this separation is filled with positive feelings from both Webb and Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury.

"“Davis Webb is the hardest working individual I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching,” Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury said in a statement. “He’s a fierce competitor and an extremely talented quarterback. Wherever Davis lands, he will immediately change the outlook of that program. All Red Raider fans should be extremely proud of what he’s accomplished here in Lubbock and look forward to watching him compete next season.” Link"

Webb is to be commended for the way he handled his demotion to the backup quarterback role. Rather than pouting or giving up on his team, Webb’s work ethic never diminished and he remained a leader in the locker room.

"“He’s really helped the young receivers and (Mahomes),” said Tech OC Eric Morris in November. “We call him Coach Webb. It’s a credit to him and how he was raised.” List"

Webb’s transfer makes him the fourth quarterback to leave the Red Raider program since Kliff Kingsbury took over in 2013. He joins Mayfield, Michael Brewer who transferred to Virginia Tech and Vincent Testaverde Jr. who transferred to Miami (FL).

Many national pundits have cited the high number of transfers under Kingsbury’s watch as a sign of trouble within the Texas Tech program. However, the quarterback position is unique in that it is the only position on the field where only one player usually plays the entire game.

Therefore, most quarterbacks that are not named starters look to find other opportunities, especially if they are upperclassmen playing behind younger players as was the case with Webb this year. Webb believes that he has the tools necessary to play in the NFL but in order to accomplish that goal he must be on the field in his final season in college.

And Kingsbury agrees that Webb has NFL talent.

"“He has a chance to be very special,” Kingsbury said after Webb finished up his freshman season in 2013. “He has one of the quickest releases and strongest arms I’ve been around. Very smart, intellectual thinker. Processes things very quickly. Sees the field. Great at checking to the right place.” Link"

But the one trait Webb does not possess is what caused him to lose the 2015 quarterback competition to Mahomes, mobility. Webb is the prototypical pocket passer with limited mobility while Mahomes is a threat to run as well as pass giving Kingsbury’s offense an added dimension.

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Webb is a competitor that was disappointed in losing his starting job but he did not let it impact his attitude or poison the team’s chemistry. He is the definition of a great teammate and deserves the opportunity to start as a senior.

Everyone within the Texas Tech football program and all Red Raider fans have nothing but respect for the way that Webb has handled this tough situation. It is safe to say that Webb is one Texas Tech quarterback transfer that all Red Raiders will continue to cheer for no matter where he plays next season.

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