Texas Tech football: 5 Red Raiders that might surprise in 2021

Travis Koontz

Speaking of players who were not used properly by David Yost, it is fair to expect bigger performances from senior tight end Travis Koontz this season under Sonny Cumbie.  That’s because Koontz may finally be utilized in the proper role to fit his skill set.

So far, in his two years on the South Plains, Koontz has made one truly memorable play.  Last season, against Oklahoma, he caught a crossing route and took it over 60 yards to the endzone.  (You can see that play in the video from the Tweet below.)

That play showcased the pure athleticism that the 260-pound tight end possesses.  So naturally, what did Yost do with Koontz after that revelatory play?  He went right back to using him almost exclusively as an extra blocker on the end of the offensive line.  In fact, after that game, Koontz would catch only six more passes the remainder of the season.

But this year, Cumbie will look to utilize the tight ends as true matchup nightmares.  Look for him to move his tight ends around the formation and even play them split out wide where a wide receiver might normally line up.  In essence, Cumbie is expected to play chess with his tight ends to create mismatches in the secondary and that could pay huge dividends for Koontz.

Keep in mind also that Koontz will be relied on even more this year as a leader of the tight end group given that last year’s No. 2 tight end, John Holcomb has retired from football.  While incoming freshmen such as Mason Tharpe and Jed Castles will play and are already full-grown enough to contribute, it will be Koontz upon whom the offense leans at the tight end spot.

So while Koontz has yet to put up impressive numbers as a Red Raider, don’t be shocked if he has a strong final season in scarlet and black.  That’s because he’s finally going to be playing a role that will best fit his skill set.