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Texas Tech football: Why Matt Wells is optimistic in 2020 Red Raiders

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 19: Fans pose for a photo with the Will Rogers and Soapsuds statue before the college football game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Iowa State Cyclones on October 19, 2019 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 19: Fans pose for a photo with the Will Rogers and Soapsuds statue before the college football game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Iowa State Cyclones on October 19, 2019 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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AUSTIN, TX – NOVEMBER 29: SaRodorick Thompson #28 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders rushes for a touchdown in the first quarter defended by Joseph Ossai #46 of the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX – NOVEMBER 29: SaRodorick Thompson #28 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders rushes for a touchdown in the first quarter defended by Joseph Ossai #46 of the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

How much of a load will SaRodorick Thompson be asked to carry?

It is assumed that sophomore RB SaRodorick Thompson is going to be this team’s workhorse.  After all, he was Tech’s best offensive player a year ago and he ran for the second-most yards of any Red Raider RB since 2015. But Wells said that Thompson has to earn an increased role on the team.

"“Well if we started today he’d take the first snap and he’d take the lion’s share of the reps,” Wells said.  “But that’s the SaRodorick’s job over the month of August to, you know, if he wants the lion’s share of the carries, then he’ll learn it… “I think there’s more competitive depth in that room this year but you know everybody looks good running around and helmets right now.  They all do.  Running backs, their real game starts once we get to full pads and the carries and then once, you know, you start getting a little sore and who can continue to produce and be real good in pass protection and with the ball in their hands in the passing game.”"

Wells was then asked how much he expected Thompson to factor into that passing game after catching just 154 yards worth of passes a season ago.

"“The expectation is for him to be a an all-around back in terms of pass protection and as a receiving running back.  He’s got good hands and he certainly has that ability but the more he proves it over time I think he’ll become better all-around back.”"

This could be a tremendous breakout season for Thompson.  Last year, he emerged as Tech’s most consistent offensive weapon and he had 919 total yards from scrimmage and 12 TDs on the ground.  While he likely won’t approach those totals in a 10-game season, look for his per-game average in yards and carries to rise sharply.  Thompson becoming a true star RB at the Big 12 level could be the key that makes the entire Red Raider offense click in 2020.  Not only would it give the offense tremendous balance, but it would also be a way to help keep QB Alan Bowman healthy for the first time in his career.

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