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Texas Tech football: RBs, O-line deserve game balls for victory over Cougars

By Matthew Conner

Sep 30, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Tahj Brooks (28) rushes against Houston Cougars defensive back Jamal Morris (25) in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Tahj Brooks (28) rushes against Houston Cougars defensive back Jamal Morris (25) in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 30, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars defensive end Nelson Ceaser (9) dives to tackle Texas Tech Red Raiders running back CamÕRon Valdez (0) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars defensive end Nelson Ceaser (9) dives to tackle Texas Tech Red Raiders running back CamÕRon Valdez (0) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas Tech RB Cam’Ron Valdez finally made an impact for the first time in 2023

One of the most hyped Red Raiders during the offseason was running back Cam’Ron Valdez.  With the graduation of Sa’Rodorick Thompson, the Rockdale, Texas native was set to see an increased role in the offense and everyone was excited to see what the explosive back could add to the ground game.

However, a nagging shoulder injury has limited what Valdez has been able to contribute this season.  In fact, heading into this game, he had only six rushes for 20 yards thus far.

On Saturday, though, he broke out in a big way.  He matched Brooks’ 106 yards but needed only five carries to get there.  That’s exactly the type of juice we all expected him to bring to the equation this year.

His 54-yard run in the third quarter set up a TD pass from Morton to Myles Price to give Tech its first two-score lead of the day, 42-28.  What’s more, his 41-yard 4th-quarter TD run sealed the win and ended the scoring for the day.

There are carries to be had for Valdez moving forward.  Someone is going to have to share the load with Brooks, especially if Tech is going to major in running the ball.

While Valdez didn’t have a heavy workload on Saturday, he made the most of his opportunities.  If he’s going to be able to be a big-play option for Tech, it will transform an offense that is often too plodding due to the lack of game-breaking speed at the skill positions.

Valez isn’t the type of player who will moonlight on the track team of Texas Tech legend Wes Kittley but he is football fast and he can get to top speed in the blink of an eye.  He showed that against Houston it was an exciting glimpse into what he can add to the Texas Tech attack.

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