Texas Tech football: Rumors link Red Raiders to potential grad transfer QB

One national football insider believes that there is a possibility that current Utah State QB Jordan Love may have an interest in transferring to the Texas Tech football program this offseason.

The greatest questions surrounding the Texas Tech football program as we look towards 2020 is whether there is currently a difference-making quarterback on the roster. Finding such a player has to be this program’s main focus this offseason, even if that meaning looking for outside help.

According to one national football insider, a player with plenty of knowledge of Matt Wells and his OC David Yost may be in play for the Red Raiders.  Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network wrote Saturday that current Utah State QB Jordan Love may have interest in joining the Red Raiders if he does not decide to forego his senior season for the NFL Draft.

"“…it would be a surprise if Jordan Love did not enter the draft and rumors were rampant he has representation lined up,” Pauline says.  “I’m told on the off chance he doesn’t enter the draft, Love will likely go the graduate transfer route and leave Utah State.“Should he go the graduate transfer route, expect Texas Tech to be near the top of his wish list, so Love could be reunited with former Utah State head coach Matt Wells.”"

If Love is interested in coming to Texas Tech, there’s no question Wells and Co. would be willing to discuss it with him.  In fact, given how well the 6-foot-4, 225-pounder executed Yost’s offense in 2018, a reunion would make sense.

As a sophomore, the dual-threat QB threw for 3,567 yards, with 32 touchdowns and only six interceptions with a QB rating of 158.3.  He also scored 7 touchdowns on the ground as he led Utah State to an 11-2 season, one that his coaching staff parlayed into the opportunity at Texas Tech.

However, his numbers took a significant dip in 2019.  While he did lead his team to a 7-5 season and another bowl birth, he threw for only 3,085 yards and 17 touchdowns while being picked off 16 times.  Thus, he might be motivated to reunite with Wells and Yost to improve his NFL Draft stock while he still has his college eligibility.

Not having any knowledge of the situation at Utah State this year, I looked into what experts around the nation said about Love’s performance as a junior.  According to Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports, part of what hurt Love was a lack of talent around him this fall.

"“There’s no denying that Utah State’s lack of offensive playmakers has hampered Love’s ability to consistently make plays,” Wilson says.  “…four of their best players from a year ago are no longer with the team and Love plays like someone who knows that he has to do everything.“It hasn’t gone well. Yes, there are the flashes of brilliance we see every game, but there are too many miscues to count, which often lead to turnovers, and more importantly, raise questions about his NFL readiness.”"

Wilson’s belief is that Love is 2-3 years away from being ready to start at the NFL level, which might suggest another year in college would be in his best interest.  Meanwhile, others seem to think that is a foregone conclusion that Love’s next move is to the NFL.

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Cole McCauley of Clutch Points believes that Love is a prototypical NFL QB who is somewhere between the No. 6-10 QB prospect in this year’s class.

"“Regardless of Love’s lackluster 2019,” McCauley writes, “it’s hard to argue that the QB doesn’t have the talent to succeed in the right system. The redshirt junior has prototypical NFL size at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds and has proven his ability to extend plays with his legs.“Additionally, Love has one of the strongest arms in the 2020 class and can wow scouts with his arm talent. On the other hand, Love has been criticized for his lack of awareness, and for being too aggressive….“Jordan Love has all the physical tools to be a successful NFL QB and will probably impress scouts with his raw ability come to NFL combine time. At the same time, there are very legitimate concerns with Love’s game and it’ll be interesting to see where the redshirt junior lands in the upcoming draft.”"

It seems like the prevailing winds are pushing Love towards the draft, especially if the injury to Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa causes the previously assumed top 10 pick to slip or if players like Justin Herbert of Oregon continue to lose their luster in the eyes of some NFL teams.  However, the rise of players like LSU’s Joe Burrow and OU’s Jalen Hurts might push Love down the board might convince him to stay in school.

This seems like a long shot but it’s worth keeping an eye on for Red Raider fans.  What would be certain is that if Love were to join the Red Raiders, it would likely signal a tremendous shakeup in the program as one would have to assume he would be the starter which would put into question the status of both Jett Duffey and Alan Bowman.

Of course, that is a long way away and likely will never be something Wells has to deal with.  But what we are already seeing is that because no QB emerged as the man in Lubbock this year, that position is going to be fascinating to watch over the upcoming months as the Red Raiders are going to want all of their potential QB options on campus for spring practice in March if at all possible.  Whether that includes Love is something that will watch with particular interest.