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

McLane Mannix

It’s a shame but the enduring image most Texas Tech football fans have of McLane Mannix came in 2019 when he lost a fumble late in the 4th quarter as Tech was trying to mount a drive to overtake TCU in Lubbock.  Unfortunately, that has remained the defining moment of the inside receiver’s career as a Red Raider thus far.

But that could all change in 2021 as the Midland native returns to the field after missing all but three games last fall due to injury.  And Mannix has reportedly dropped ten pounds this offseason making him more explosive to boot.

Texas Tech football fans are hoping that the former Nevada transfer returns to the form he showed prior to his arrival at Tech.  In two seasons with the Wolfpack, Mannix hauled in 107 balls for 1,653 yards and 13 TDs.  He was even named a freshman All-American after the 2017 campaign.

Things have been different at Tech though.  In two injury-plagued seasons in the 806, Mannix has caught a mere 26 passes for 248 yards and three TDs.

He’s also been surpassed on the depth chart by players such as Dalton Rigdon, Xavier White, and Myles Price.  But Mannix has reportedly had a strong fall camp thus far and it could warrant some serious playing time for him once the season rolls around.

Remember, Cumbie is not married to the idea of having a tight end on the field at all times the way his predecessor was.  That means that Tech will often have two inside receivers on the field at once and that could open up some snaps for Mannix.

If he can take advantage of those opportunities and return to being a big-play threat, he could surprise many Red Raider fans who may have even forgotten about him altogether.  And hopefully, by the time the year is over, we will have a more positive lasting impression of Mannix than the one we have right now.