Texas Tech football: Important position battles to watch this spring

Who will step up in the slot?

For two decades, the Texas Tech offense has featured some of the most prolific slot receivers in the history of college football.  Players like Wes Welker, Danny Amendola, Jakeem Grant and Keke Coutee have redefined what a slot reciter can mean to an offense and now the Red Raiders are looking for the next star inside receiver to emerge.

Last year, Tech received steady production from senior Ja’Deion High (804 yards and 4 touchdowns) and Seth Collins but neither proved to be game-breakers in the mold of the greats that have donned the Double-T.  And with Collins expected to move outside, there will be a need to identify the next game-breaking Texas Tech slot receiver.

Complicating matters is the uncertain status of transfer McLane Mannix.  The former freshman All-American might have to sit out this season after transferring from Nevada but he could be grated a hardship waver from the NCAA and be allowed to play immediately.

If that is the case, he would be the no-brainer answer in the slot.   In his two college seasons, he has caught 107 passes for 1,653 yards and 13 touchdowns.

But should Mannix have to redshirt this season, look for KeSean Carter to get an opportunity to start.  Last year, he caught 26 passes for 238 yards and a touchdown as a true freshman.  However, his status as a key sprinter on Wes Kittley’s top-rated track and field team could limit his availability this spring and open the door for other receivers.

6-foot-1, 165-pound Corey Fulcher, a former top-150 high school player in Texas could also get a look on the inside.  He did not appear in a game last year but has the athletic ability to be a possible answer in the slot.

Many fans would love to see Xavier Martin finally become a contributor.  But entering his third season on campus, the former H.S. quarterback signee turned receiver has yet to show any signs of being ready to contribute.  Maybe a new coaching staff is the type of change that can bring him forward.

There are some that believe 2019 signee Alante Brown, a high school QB from Chicago who has signed to play either running back or receiver could be an eventual star in the slot but he is not on campus this spring.  In all, it looks like the job comes down to Mannix or Carter and if Mannix must sit out this fall, Carter might be the default choice, especially if no one else steps up.