The Texas Tech Red Raiders were dealt a rough blow when talented (and expected starting) running back Quinten Joyner went down with an injury a few weeks ago, just before the start of the 2025 Texas Tech football season.
One of the guys most impacted by losing Joyner for the season was first year Texas Tech offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich. And while Leftwich is creative and innovative and able to design offensive systems that elevate the players he has available to him, it’s generally a good thing to have talented running backs available for an offense that wants to be great in a season.
So, losing Joyner isn’t great.
However, that doesn’t mean the Red Raiders are absolutely, totally doomed. There are other talented running backs available in Lubbock. And right now, it seems like Leftwich is pretty proud of how they’ve been adjusting following Joyner’s injury.
Texas Tech offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich seems impressed with the Red Raiders running backs following Quinten Joyner’s injury
Earlier this week, Leftwich was asked about how things were going with Texas Tech’s running backs following the injury. That gave him the perfect opportunity to praise that group for the way they’ve stepped up.
“Those guys have done a great job and I think that’s kind of, you know, really the culture around here too, someone goes down, it’s kind of the next man up,” Leftwich said. “And we’ve done a great job.”
That’s encouraging to hear. It’s never ideal to lose a great player to injury, but it’s good to know that Texas Tech has been able to adjust course a bit as needed.
“The personnel staff has done a great job developing depth at that position and having really quality guys,” Leftwich explained. “I mean, you know, before Q got hurt, I thought he had three of the best backs in the Big 12 conference. Cam and J’Koby are more than capable to come in there and be a great one-two punch.”
Again, another great thing to hear. You definitely want your running back room to have enough talent to be productive whenever possible. And having some of the best running backs in the conference should help that be a possibility, even if Joyner is out.
“Those two have responded well to Q getting hurt,” Texas Tech’s OC said. “Obviously, you know, no one ever wants that for somebody, and it’s very unfortunate. But, you know, I think they’re ready for the challenge.”
It’ll be fascinating to see how Leftwich prioritizes getting his running backs carries and how the Red Raiders spread the ball around on offense. I don’t anticipate seeing a full playbook against the likes of the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions. But as the season goes, I’m looking forward to watching this duo at running back.