Texas Tech football: Players that might surprise in 2020
![LUBBOCK, TX - SEPTEMBER 29: The Texas Tech Red Raiders take the field before the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on September 29, 2016 at AT&T Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech won the game 55-19. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) LUBBOCK, TX - SEPTEMBER 29: The Texas Tech Red Raiders take the field before the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on September 29, 2016 at AT&T Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech won the game 55-19. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0ba5201731b3c2e0792cea362db3b69bbe241e469854c4a07d35a7d2a2831b65.jpg)
LB Bryce Ramirez
While White is now on scholarship, LB Bryce Ramirez remains a walk-on after redshirting last year. But he has been one of the fastest risers in fall camp to the point that he seems likely to see the field at some point this year.
"“A guy that is kinda steppin’ up…” linebackers coach Kevin Cosgrove said last week, “is Bryce Ramirez…He’s on a mission too. He’s working his butt off, has got a tremendous motor, and he can run and, you know, he’s pretty athletic.”"
At 6-feet, 220-pounds, the native of Missouri City, Texas projects as an outside LB and that’s a position that is highly valued in defensive coordinator Keith Patterson’s scheme. But there is plenty of competition at that spot with Kosi Eldridge and Michigan State transfer Brandon Bouyer-Randle. However, both have significant injury histories so Ramirez may get his shot at some point if one or both of those players go down.
Also, this year could be the year that teams’ depth is tested like never before thanks to the coronavirus. Just this week, Tech reported 21 positives within the football program and should a similar situation occur during the season, players further down on the depth chart will be pressed into action.
We can’t predict if that will happen at the outside LB spot but we do know that the coaching staff is taking notice of Ramirez. Therefore, don’t be shocked if he becomes the latest walk-on to make a name for himself on Saturdays.