Texas Tech football: Five newcomers that could have a big impact this fall

Sep 18, 2021; College Station, Texas, USA; New Mexico Lobos offensive lineman Cade Briggs (73) blocks Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Donell Harris Jr. (18) during the second half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; College Station, Texas, USA; New Mexico Lobos offensive lineman Cade Briggs (73) blocks Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Donell Harris Jr. (18) during the second half at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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LUBBOCK, TX – OCTOBER 21: The Texas Tech Red Raiders mascot ” Masked Rider” leads the team onto the field before the game against the Iowa State Cyclones on October 21, 2017 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Iowa State defeated Texas Tech 31-13. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
LUBBOCK, TX – OCTOBER 21: The Texas Tech Red Raiders mascot ” Masked Rider” leads the team onto the field before the game against the Iowa State Cyclones on October 21, 2017 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Iowa State defeated Texas Tech 31-13. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***

TE Baylor Cupp is looking to resurrect a once-promising career

Injuries have defined and derailed the career of Texas A&M tight end transfer Baylor Cupp.  In fact, they have kept him from even taking a step towards fulfilling what was once massive potential.  Now, he’s looking for a fresh start and full health in Lubbock and if he can avoid the injury bug, he could help transform the Red Raider offense.

Coming out of high school in the class of 2019, Cupp was the nation’s top tight end recruit and the No. 53 player overall.  He held offers from the likes of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Penn State, USC, and Texas.  What’s more, Charles Power, a national writer for 247Sports, even compared him to Kansas City Chief’s all-world tight end Travis Kelce.  

But as a freshman, Cupp broke his ankle in fall practices and missed the entire season.  Then, the next year he tore his labrum and dislocated his shoulder in preseason practices forcing him to miss a second-straight season.  As a result, he was passed over on the depth chart and that send him looking for a new opportunity, which he found on the South Plains.

Imagine what a healthy Cupp could give Texas Tech in the passing game.  At 6-foot-7, he could pair with 6-foot-9 sophomore TE Mason Tharpe to give Tech two huge tight ends who can run as well as many receivers.  Putting both on the field at the same time would be a nightmare for opposing defenses to try to stop.

So keep an eye on Cupp as fall practices crank up in August.  Because if he can finally make it to the season healthy, he could be a game-changer for the Red Raider offense.