Texas Tech football: 3 Red Raiders that have been pleasant surprises in 2020
Xavier White
Typically, when a player changes positions in the middle of his college career, it doesn’t work out well. We have seen that repeatedly over the years, especially when the change is to a completely different position group and not a change within one such as going from corner to safety or defensive end to defensive tackle.
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But one player who’s made the most of his new home is running back Xavier White. In fact, you could argue that he’s been Tech’s best back over the last two games.
Thus far, the Lubbock native has amassed a total of 140 yards on just 22 carries. That’s an impressive average of 6.4 yards per rush.
Like Price behind KeSean Carter, we didn’t expect White to be the primary backup behind SaRodorick Thompson at RB this year. That’s because Tech also brought in touted true freshman Tahj Brooks and Alabama transfer Chadarius Townsend to help in the backfield.
But White continues to defy the odds. Remember, after his playing career at Monterey High School ended, he had to go the JUCO route and he was only given a chance to walk-on at Tech because the coaching staff noticed him while visiting Dodge City Community College to scout another player.
Last year, White played inside receiver where he caught 10 passes for 159 yards and a TD in just four games. But an injury ended his season after the Big 12 opener at Oklahoma.
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This offseason, he made the move to running back, which is not the most natural of transitions. However, he’s taken to the new job well and he has looked every bit the part of a legitimate Big 12 back. It’s safe to say that his change of positions has defied the odds and proven to be the right move.