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Justin Stockton Can Bring Big Plays To Seattle

By Matthew Conner

AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Justin Stockton #4 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders gives a stiff arm to Kris Boyd #2 of the Texas Longhorns in the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 24: Justin Stockton #4 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders gives a stiff arm to Kris Boyd #2 of the Texas Longhorns in the third quarter at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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Former Texas Tech running back Justin Stockton has been signed to a preferred free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks where he could be a big play weapon for a team that needs production in the backfield.

One of the best big play threats in the Kliff Kingsbury era of Texas Tech football has earned a shot in the NFL.  Running back Justin Stockton has agreed to a free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks after not being selected in this year’s NFL Draft.

The San Antonio native arrived at Texas Tech in 2014 with a reputation for being a speedster capable of taking any play to the end zone.  That ability translated to the collegiate level as in three of his four years at Tech, Stockton had runs of at least 54 yards. (His career long was an 84-yard scamper in 2017 against Houston.)

Overall, Stockton finished with 1,611 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns on 276 carries.  He was also a treat in the passing game catching 80 passes for 840 yards and 10 touchdowns as a Red Raider.

That versatility makes him an ideal third-down back in the NFL.  And no team in the NFL is more desperate for production from the running back position than Seattle.

Last season, the Seahawks were led in rushing by their quarterback, Russel Wilson who put up 583 yards on the ground.  Obviously, having a franchise quarterback as a team’s leading rusher is a recipe for eventual disaster so Seattle has set out to address this issue this offseason.

The Seahawks drafted Rashaad Penny with the 27th overall pick in this year’s draft to be the presumptive starter this season.  Penny was one of the most productive backs in the nation last year putting up 2,027 yards and 19 touchdowns on 275 carries for Adan Diego State

Behind Penny, there sits a gaggle of unimpressive runners.  Chris Carson carried 49 times for 208 yards and no scores in 2017.  Likewise, Mike Davis was a virtual non factor going for just 240 yards on 68 carries.  Third-year back C.J. Prosise played in only three games amassing just 24 yards on 11 carries.

So it is safe to assume that Seattle is looking for an upgrade at running back behind Penny and that could be good news for Stockton.  His big play ability could be a welcome addition to a team whose longest run from scrimmage in 2017 was just 33 yards.

Stockton’s time in the “Air Raid” system is also exciting to a Seattle team that had no running back step forward to be a weapon in the passing game.  In a “west coast” style of offense such as Seattle’s, which uses the quick passing game in almost every situation, Stockton could prove to be an asset that the team has lacked for some time.

Next: Texas Tech in the hunt for 4-star WR

But there is a huge concern with Justin Stockton.  Concussions almost kept him from playing last season as he and Kliff Kingsbury worried about his long-term health.  Fortunately, Stockton was able to stay healthy during his senior season to lead the team in rushing.  Now he will have an opportunity to compete for a job with Seattle and if he can stay healthy, he should have a great shot.

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