Texas Tech football: Players that need a strong finish to 2020

John Holcomb

Another position that is about to have an abundance of talent at the ready is tight end.  That’s why true freshman John Holcomb needs to start to show progress over the last two contests.

This year, the Wellington, Texas product has seen the field quite a bit simply because he has been the only viable option behind starter Travis Koontz.  But he’s not put up the type of numbers that one might expect given how much playing time he’s received.

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Holcomb has caught just five passes for 35 yards.  What’s more, in only one game has he had multiple receptions.

We must keep in mind the size of the jump that the 6-foot-5, 220-pounder has had to make this year.  Last fall, he was playing tight end and defensive end against 2-A competition in the Texas panhandle and now he’s trying to navigate life in the Big 12.  That’s a serious increase in the level of play he’s experiencing.

Also, it is fair to point out that Tech simply doesn’t use the tight ends much in the passing game.  After all, starter Travis Koontz has just 11 catches for 179 yards and one TD this year.

But while the TE isn’t a huge component of the aerial attack, it is integral to the running game that OC David Yost utilizes.  That’s why there is a tight end on the field on almost every offensive snap and it’s why Tech will continue to look for players at that position.

In fact, the Red Raiders have two highly-regarded high school tight ends committed to signing in the class of 2021.  Wichita Falls product Jed Castles is a 6-foot-6, 215-pounder who is rated the no. 35 tight end in the nation while Spring, Texas’ Mason Tharpe, a 6-foot-7, 225-pounder, is the no. 39 tight end in the nation.  Both could push Holcomb for playing time next year, especially if they arrive and put on enough weight to become viable blockers as true freshmen.

Just as is the case with the competition behind Bowman, the depth at tight end is about to become serious and that means Holcomb is not guaranteed to remain in the two-deep.  That’s why it would be best for him to show more in these final two outings of 2020 than he has thus far, especially as a receiver, which is what was supposed to be his forte, to begin with.