The Top 50 Greatest Texas Tech Red Raiders of All-Time: No. 34 – 30

Nov 16, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Baylor Bears cornerback Demetri Goodson (3) lines up against Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Eric Ward (18) in the game at AT&T Stadium. Baylor beat Texas Tech 63-34. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Continuing our countdown of the 50 greatest Texas Tech Red Raider football players of all-time, we take a look one of the most electrifying players the program has ever seen, plus a dominant defensive tackle, an all-time great running back, a trailblazing tight end, and one of the greatest wide receivers in program history.

No. 34. Tyrone Thurman (WR / KR 1985 – 1988):

The former high school running back that followed Spike Dykes from Midland Lee to Texas Tech is one of the most popular players in Red Raider history. This is due in large part to his small stature (5’4” 126-pounds), because everyone loves the successful little guy.

However, Thurman is also fondly remembered for his prowess as an All-American punt returner. When he left Texas Tech in 1988, he held most of the school’s punt return records including longest punt return (96-yards), return yards in a season (444 in 1986), number of punt returns in a career (126) and total return yards in a career (1,466).

For his career at Tech, Thurman averaged 11.6-yards per punt return. He also returned four punts to touchdowns — a mark that would stand until the arrival of Wes Welker in the early 2000’s.

Thurman was signed as an undrafted free agent in 1988 by the Dallas Cowboys but did not make the roster. He went on to play in the Canadian Football League for two seasons before playing in the Arena Football League for another five seasons.