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Texas Tech football: Offensive position group grades for 2020

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - DECEMBER 05: Offensive lineman Weston Wright #70 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders lines up during the second half of the college football game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Jones AT&T Stadium on December 05, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - DECEMBER 05: Offensive lineman Weston Wright #70 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders lines up during the second half of the college football game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Jones AT&T Stadium on December 05, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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LUBBOCK, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 26: Running back SaRodorick Thompson #4 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs for a touchdown during the second half of the college football game against the Texas Longhorns on September 26, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 26: Running back SaRodorick Thompson #4 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs for a touchdown during the second half of the college football game against the Texas Longhorns on September 26, 2020 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

Running backs: A-

Perhaps I’m grading on a curve here and feel the need to give out at least one “A” but I really feel like Tech couldn’t ask for much more than it got out of its running backs this year.  And it was productivity by committee that proved to be the successful formula.

At 168.2 yards per game, the Red Raiders were 5th in the Big 12 in rushing yards.  What’s more, with their per-carry average of 4.8, they were 4th in the conference.

Two Red Raiders actually finished in the top-10 in the league in rushing.  That feels like a rarity for this program during the “Air Raid” era.

With 610 yards, SaRodorick Thompson was 4th in the Big 12.  Additionally, had eight TDs, which was also good for 4th in the conference.

Meanwhile, Xavier White was sixth in the league with 436 yards rushing.  That was quite the showing for a former walk-on who played inside receiver a season ago.

Also, the emergence of true freshman Tahj Brooks was important.  With 255 yards, he was third on the team and his four rushing scores trailed only Thompson.

What I liked about this group’s performance this year was that they were able to break off long runs in addition to churning out tough yards.  Thompson had runs of 75, 59, and 48 yards while White galloped for runs of 70, 49, and 30 yards.

This group should return intact next season and if Tech has any questions at the QB position next fall, the RBs could be what new OC Sonny Cumbie bases his offense around.  Thus, what they showed in 2020 was important as it proved just how well-stocked that position is for the future.

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