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Texas Tech football: Players that might surprise in 2020

By Matthew Conner

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) /
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The Texas Tech Red Raider cheerleaders celebrate a touchdown during the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on September 17, 2016 at AT&T Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech won the game 59-45. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
The Texas Tech Red Raider cheerleaders celebrate a touchdown during the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on September 17, 2016 at AT&T Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Texas Tech won the game 59-45. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

TE John Holcomb

Speaking of players that the coaches have noticed during camp, true freshman John Holcomb certainly fits that bill.  In fact, he’s been gushed over about as much as any player on the roster.

"“John Holcomb is doing a really nice job,” tight ends coach Luke Wells said last week. “John’s got a motor.”"

There remains a serious need for the depth at tight end to emerge.  In fact, that is the most unproven position group on the roster.

The presumed starter is senior Travis Koontz, who caught just 10 passes for 152 yards last year.  But he’s atop the depth chart because no other TE on the roster has more than one career catch.

Therefore, a player is bound to emerge as Koontz’s primary backup and Holcomb might be the frontrunner there.  That wasn’t necessarily expected of a guy who played at the 2A level in high school and was just a 3-star signee.

"“He’s learning how to play our offense,” Wells said after pointing out that Holcomb played as many as five different positions in high school.  “And usually the hardest thing about playing tight end is blocking as a in-line tight end. “But the thing about John is John only has one speed.  He’s got a motor.  He goes fast.  And that gives him a chance every snap.  So if John isn’t perfect with his technique right now, his speed, his effort are making up for it.  So he’s really flashing.”"

Offensive coordinator David Yost wants a TE on the field at all times meaning someone is going to have to spell Koontz from time to time.  Upperclassman Connor Killian will likely get some work as a run blocker but look for Holcomb to be on the field quite a bit as an offensive weapon.  He’s already showing up in fall camp and he could be one of the breakout freshmen from the 2020 signing class.

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