Texas Tech football: Spooky possibilities for Red Raider fans to consider
The 2019 freshman class is providing next to nothing and may end up being a bust
When a punter is the most productive member of a given recruiting class, it’s a frightening sign. That’s why the fact that Austin McNamara has been the most impactful true freshman in 2019 is concerning.
On offense, the only member of the most recent signing class that has played has been walk-on Chux Nwabuko. The 5-foot-6 running back has returned a handful of punts and has carried the football once for one yard. That’s it for the offensive production for the class of 2019 through eight games. One yard.
The other side of the ball has seen more freshmen play but none have made huge impacts. DL Tony Bradford Jr. has been hit or miss each week. Thus far, he’s registered eight tackles and a sack as a backup end.
LB Tyrique Matthews has come up with just six tackles this year despite breaking fall camp as the starter at the raider position. Likewise, Alex Hogan and Dadrion Taylor have proven to be nothing but spare parts at corner when they have been pressed into action by injuries. Taylor has nine tackles and Hogan has two but neither has been credited with a pass breakup.
It’s a terrifying thought to consider the 2019 signing class proving to be what is referred to as an empty class. Though the expectations for Wells’ first class were low given that it was dubbed a “transition” class, it needed to produce a decent number of contributors.
Of course, most of the players in that class still have four years of eligibility so they could turn out to be quality performers. Former 4-star DE Gilbert Ibeneme is sitting out this year with a shoulder injury and when he returns next fall, he will be expected to play right away. Meanwhile, massive 7-foot tackle Trevor Roberson has huge upside.
Meanwhile, receivers Trey Cleveland and Dequan Watts and TE Simon Gonzalez all have the athleticism to be factors down the road. But there’s a legitimate concern among Tech fans that this will be yet another class that is low on impact players which, given how poorly this program has recruited in recent years, is the last thing the Red Raiders need.