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Texas Tech football: Takeaways from this season’s first depth chart

By Matthew Conner

Oct 27, 2018; Ames, IA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Riko Jeffers (6) signals for a touchdown after Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Brock Purdy (15) fumbles in the end zone at Jack Trice Stadium. The Cyclones beat the Red Raiders 40-31. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2018; Ames, IA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Riko Jeffers (6) signals for a touchdown after Iowa State Cyclones quarterback Brock Purdy (15) fumbles in the end zone at Jack Trice Stadium. The Cyclones beat the Red Raiders 40-31. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /
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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) /

SaRodorick Thompson is listed as the starter despite offseason shoulder surgery

A bit of good news is that SaRodorick Thompson is listed as the first-string running back on the depth chart for this week.  Thus, we have reason to be hopeful that he is fully recovered from offseason shoulder surgery and ready to play against Houston.

Tech is as deep at running back as it has been perhaps in the last two decades.  But that doesn’t mean that Thompson isn’t needed.

When he’s healthy, the Irving native is one of the better running backs in the Big 12.  In each of the last two years, he’s averaged over 60 yards per game on the ground, and in 2020, he averaged 5.6 yards per carry.

However, one has to wonder how capable Thomspon is of carrying a heavy load early in the season.  Having not been a 100% participant in fall camp, he could be in line for a reduced role until he works his way back into game shape.

That’s why co-No. 2 running backs, Xavier White and Tahj Brooks, had better be ready to be a big part of the offense on Saturday in Houston.  So too should be Chadarius Townsend, the No. 4 RB on the depth chart.

Just because Townsend sits at No. 4, we should expect to see Cumbie try to get the ball in his hands in a variety of ways in hopes of maximizing his explosive athleticism and speed.  In fact, the former 4-star recruit and Alabama transfer is listed as the No. 1 kickoff returner on the depth chart.

But while there is a stable of talent at RB in 2021 for the Red Raiders, the reality is that this team needs Thompson to be a big component of the offense.  That’s why it was so exciting to see him atop the RB depth chart for week one.

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