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Texas Tech football: The top Red Raider from each season of the Big 12 era

By Matthew Conner

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Patrick Mahomes II #5 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders warming up before the game against the Baylor Bears on November 25, 2016 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 54-35. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Patrick Mahomes II #5 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders warming up before the game against the Baylor Bears on November 25, 2016 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Texas Tech defeated Baylor 54-35. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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Ricky Williams #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs with the ball.
Ricky Williams #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs with the ball. /

2001: Ricky Williams

It took running back Ricky Williams two calendar years to return to full health after blowing out his knee in the first game of the 1999 season.  But when he did regain his form in 2001, he was Tech’s best player.

Honestly, you could actually say that Kevin Curtis was once again Tech’s best all-around performer as he garnered All-American honors for the second-straight year.  But by now, we’ve sufficiently sung his praises.

So let’s appreciate what Williams did in his final season as a Red Raider.  Becoming a true dual-threat RB after playing the role of the workhorse on the ground for Spike Dykes, the Dallas native totaled 1,343 total yards and 18 total scores, the latter of which was a career-best.

Averaging 5.7 yards per touch, the shifty back proved to be a threat in the passing game.  He caught 92 passes (41 more than any player on the roster) for 617  yards and four TDs.

In fact, in all but two games that year, he gained at least 100 yards from scrimmage.  That included 156 yards and 4 TDs on the ground at Baylor and 13 catches for 101 yards at home against North Texas.

Many wondered if Williams would be an ill-fitting part in the “Air Raid” offense but he proved that not to be the case in 2001.  As he transitioned to a multi-faceted role, he showed just how versatile of a player he was as he led Tech to a 7-5 record.

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