Observations From The Texas Tech Football Spring Game

On Saturday, the Texas Tech football team held its annual spring game giving fans a look at how the 2017 team is shaping up. Below are a few observations from this weekend’s action.

The Quarterbacks

First team QB Nick Shimonek’s performance can best be described as efficient. He connected on 26 of 33 passes, three of which went for touchdowns. Most importantly, the senior did not turn the ball over.

It is obvious that Shimonek has complete control of the offense and is the unit’s vocal and emotional leader. He did a nice job spreading the ball around to numerous receivers.

On that note, it seems that Shimonek has developed a strong rapport with senior outside wide receiver Derrick Willies. The duo connected several times in the first half, mostly on quick hitters. Willies could be the go-to target Shimonek will need on the outside and his size makes him an ideal candidate to be a third down playmaker.

One surprising aspect of Shimonek’s performance was how conservative he was with his passes. In his limited playing time over the years, Shimonek has displayed a strong arm and the moxie to use it to challenge defenses down the field. But on Saturday, the vast majority of his pass attempts were under ten yards.

This is a positive sign because it shows that he has the maturity to take care of the football. There will be times this year when Shimonek will need to push the ball down field and we know he is fully capable of doing so.

However, keeping the ball safe and keeping the defense out of bad situations is something inexperienced quarterbacks often struggle to learn so it is reassuring to know that Shimonek grasps the importance of that aspect of the position.

In the race for the backup QB job, Payne Sullins is the clear leader. The former walk-on from Waco looked calm and confident in the pocket.

Though he is yet to complete a pass in a college football game, Sullins appears capable of running the Texas Tech offense. Like Shimonek, he played within the offense and took care of the football.

JUCO transfer McLane Carter looks to have a long way to go. He showed nice athletic ability but his play resembled a headless chicken.

Unlike Shimonek and Sullins, Carter does not yet have complete grasp of the offense. When his first read was covered, he began to dart around often running into trouble or even worse, putting the ball up for grabs.

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True Freshman Xavier Martin played only limited snaps but opened some eyes. On his first drive, he showed the speed that he is known for when he kept the ball on a zone read.

The next play was even more impressive. The San Antonio native hit De’Quan Bowman for a beautiful touchdown pass. The throw was perfectly placed just beyond the reach of the safety allowing Bowman to catch the ball in stride and score.

Martin’s throwing motion and footwork still need major refinement. However, he played confidently and in control showing why Kliff Kingsbury is excited about his future.

The Offensive Line

There are many questions to be answered about the offensive line this offseason. It is likely that all five starters will be new players or players at different positions than game one last year.

Saturday’s starting unit reflected those changes. Terrance Steele started at right tackle after spending most of last season at left tackle.

True freshman Jack Anderson, Tech’s highest ranked 2017 signee started at right guard. Paul Stawarz started at center rather than at guard where he played most of last year. In 2016, Tony Morales (who is still on the team) was the team’s primary center.

Another newcomer, JUCO signee Jacob Hines ran with the starters at left guard. Meanwhile, sophomore Travis Bruffy was the left tackle.

Overall, the offensive line provided quality pass protection (much better than it did in last week’s Midland scrimmage.) Most of the quarterback pressures came against the second and third team lines. The run game was not impressive though as the line failed to open running lanes on a consistent basis. That is a problem that plagued the Red Raiders in 2016 and must improve this year.

The Secondary

One of the best developments from the spring game was the play of the secondary. As a group, the defensive backs were far more aggressive than we have seen is quite some time.

Fans have often grown frustrated with David Gibbs’ strategy of playing the corners eight yards off the ball at the snap but that was not the case Saturday. The corners played tight press coverage and the safeties seemed to be far more involved in the play. On multiple occasions, the secondary swarmed to the ball on short passes limiting the receiver to little or no gain.

All three JUCO signees, Jaylon Lane (who started at one corner back spot), Vaughnte Dorsey and Octavius Morgan saw significant time. Alone with D.J. Polite-Bray (who also started) this group was active and confident. The size of these players was also noticeable and looks to be a welcome change that should help the 2017 defense.

Next: Texas Tech Football Going After High-Profile DL Recruits

The Texas Tech football team will conclude spring practice this Saturday with the final team scrimmage in Lubbock. Throughout the offseason, Wreck ‘Em Red will be your place for analysis and updates on the 2017 Red Raiders.

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