Texas Tech Football: Position Groups That Will Be Better In 2018
Running Backs
The 2018 Texas Tech offense could look drastically different than previous versions of the “Air Raid” thanks to a new offensive coordinator. Kevin Johns has replaced Eric Morris as OC and with him he brings a reputation for running the ball out of the spread offense.
In 2017, Johns’ coordinated a Western Michigan offense that averaged 224.8 rushing yards per game. That came after six seasons as offensive coordinator at Indiana when in 2015, the Hoosiers became just the fourth team in FBS history to have a 3,500-yard passer, two 1,000-yard rushers and a 1,000-yard receiver.
That is great news for the Texas Tech running backs. After a 2017 that was mediocre, this fall should be a big year for the Red Raider backs who will get plenty of work given the fact that Tech will have a quarterback in his first season as a full-time college starter.
Last year, Texas Tech gained 1,832 yards on the ground while racking up 19 touchdowns. Both numbers were an increase over 2016 but there is still room for improvement.
What’s encouraging is the talent Kingsbury and Johns have to work with. Senior Tre King is the leading returner with 633 yards and five touchdowns (both second on the team last year).
He will split time with sophomore Da’Leon Ward who is returning to the team after redshirting in 2017 for off-field reasons. As a freshman, Ward was impressive leading the team with 428 yards rushing. This spring, he drew praise from Kingsbury for his work on and off the field.
"“He’s handled his business, what he needed to do,” Kingsbury said this spring.. “Last year just became a redshirt year for him, so we’re excited to have him back out there and have him practice.”"
Adding more depth to the roster is this week’s news that senior running back DeMarcus Felton has returned to the team after announcing earlier this spring his intentions to transfer. Felton will be a nice insurance policy should injuries become a concern during the season.
Additionally, a pair of talented incoming freshmen, SaRodorick Thompson and Ta’Zhawn Henry are expected to see the field this fall. Both bring needed elements to the position group.
Thompson is a big back that could be a nice weapon in the red zone and in short yardage situations. While Henry is lightning quick and has the top-end speed that makes him a true home run threat.
Another addition to the position group is the return home of new running backs coach Clay McGuire. After six years as offensive line coach at Washington State, the former H-Back under Mike Leach at Tech from 2000-04 is now ready to make the Texas Tech running backs a bigger part of the offensive attack.
One area where Kingsbury and McGuire would like to see more from the running backs is in the passing game.
"“I really want to get those guys going in the pass game more, Tre and Da’Leon,” Kingsbury said.. “I didn’t think the last few years we’ve done a good job of finding our backs at quarterback — checking it down, doing things like that. “That’s really on me as a coach to get them more involved in the passing game. “I think with Clay being here working with those guys,” Kingsbury said, “we’re going to mesh well and find a way to get them more involved in the passing game than we have the last few years.”"
While the 2018 offense will still be wide open and up-tempo, it will likely feature a steady dose of the running game. Behind a veteran offensive line and trying to help ease the transition for a green quarterback, expect the Texas Tech running backs to be more productive this year than they have since DeAndre Washington ran for over 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons in 2014-15.