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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/752604909e6f14a20ce0efae23d6863ddfde5fdccb5ea5c169e982d143758d98.jpg)
Inside receiver Brady Boyd could give Texas Tech another weapon in the slot
Though the Red Raiders are expected to have quite the riches at tight end in 2022, we should expect to see plenty of sets of four wide receivers in new offensive coordinator Zach Kittley’s offense. However, as of right now, Tech has only one inside receiver, Myles Price, who has proven to be a consistent playmaker.
Thus, there could be an opportunity for Minnesota transfer, Brady Boyd, to make an immediate impact.
The native of Southlake, Texas was a three-star prospect and the No. 89 player in Texas in the class of 2021. But last season at Minnesota, he caught only two passes for 18 yards.
Despite those meager numbers, don’t be surprised to see Boyd make a much greater impact in his second college season. Boyd was one of the most impressive receivers in spring practices this year and that could set him up to be a key contributor this fall. And Texas Tech will need someone to step up at inside receiver.
After Price, who had 38 receptions for 523 yards and two TDs last year, there are no proven commodities at slot receiver for McGuire’s team. In fact, no other player who caught passes from the slot last year is currently on the roster.
To help alleviate that problem, Xavier White has moved from running back to slot receiver. The Lubbock native began his career as an inside receiver where he caught 10 passes for 159 yards and a TD in four games before losing the rest of the 2019 season to injury.
But that doesn’t mean that Boyd won’t get an opportunity to make a splash this year. As a high school player, he was one of the best and most productive receivers in Texas while playing against 6-A competition. Now, he will have an opportunity to prove that he can do the same in the Big 12.