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Texas Tech Football: How Tahj Brooks compares to other great Tech backs

By Maitland Rutledge

Oct 7, 2023; Waco, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Tahj Brooks (28) runs the ball upfield against the Baylor Bears during the first half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2023; Waco, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Tahj Brooks (28) runs the ball upfield against the Baylor Bears during the first half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports /
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Taurean Henderson was an “Air Raid” dream at Texas Tech

Taurean Henderson Texas Tech
DALLAS – JANUARY 2: Running back Taurean Henderson #19 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the AT&T Cotton Bowl on January 2, 2006 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. The Crimson Tide defeated the Red Raiders 13-10. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Mike Leach had talent for many years at the quarterback and receiver positions, but often not a 1,000-yard back. While the “Air Raid” is never catered to producing backs with those kinds of numbers, one who stood out during that era was Taurean Henderson. He failed to crack 1,000 yards rushing in a season during his career, but was the steady back a good offense needs to have some form of balance when you throw more than you run.

Henderson was a contributor from the beginning when he arrived on campus in 2002. His freshman year he rushed for 793 yards and seven touchdowns. While his production dipped a bit during his sophomore season, his junior and senior seasons saw him rush for over 800 yards each year.

Henderson was more known for his contribution to the passing game out of the backfield, though. In fact, he is second on the school’s all-time receptions list behind Wes Welker. A back that can be a great pass catcher out of the backfield will see the field a lot in an offense centered around the pass.

The Gatesville native was also a touchdown machine. His sophomore through senior seasons produced double-digit touchdowns every year. Henderson was known more for changing the pace on the ground when the offense needed to keep the defense honest and it led to success. He helped lead the Red Raiders to bowl games every season, including three wins.

After college, Henderson spent time in minicamp with the Minnesota Vikings in 2006 and the Atlanta Falcons until 2008. He retired from football after that.

Brooks is arguably in a better offense to succeed than Henderson given Tech’s recent commitment to running the ball. However, when fans think of good Red Raider backs in the 2000s and beyond, Henderson does come to mind. With more 100-yard games hopefully to come, Brooks could find himself in good company with other successful Tech running backs by the end of his senior season.

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