Fall camp is finally underway for the Texas Tech football program. With whistles now blowing and helmets popping on the practice field, players are starting to try to earn roles for the Red Raiders this fall.
While every program comes into camp with an idea of what the gameday depth chart will look like, there are always some positions that remain unsettled at the start of August. That's certainly the case for the Texas Tech football team so let's look at position battles that are yet to be sorted out.
Who will backup Tahj Brooks at running back?
With Tahj Brooks back to lead the way, Tech is in great shape at running back. However, when head coach Joey McGuire was asked about fall camp position battles earlier this week, he immediately discussed the need to find a No. 2 running back.
"The two Cams are going at each other," he said. "You've got Cam Valdez, who's got more experience but Cam Dicket had a great spring."
This is a fascinating competition because Valdez is a junior who has yet to live up to his potential with only 471 rushing yards and one touchdown in three seasons as a Red Raider while Dickey is a true freshman who is yet to take a snap in a college game. So the fact that they seem to be neck-and-neck is telling.
Ultimately, this battle could come down to which player best protects the QB in the passing game. That's an underrated aspect of playing the position but one that coaches are well aware of. Can Dickey learn the pass protection system fast enough to be able to contribute in a meaningful way immediately? If so, he could sneak up and win this battle.
Regardless of who earns that job, someone must emerge as a reliable RB2 on the roster because Tech doesn't want to give Brooks nearly 300 carries again this year. So though the Red Raiders have no questions about their starting RB situation, how the position unfolds behind Brooks will be important to monitor in August.
The tight end room features three legitimate playmakers
McGuire then pivoted to discuss the tight-end battle. That's a spot where three talented and skilled players will be vying for snaps.
"We have three NFL tight ends," McGuire said, "so where do they fit in?
McGuire went on to speak about the versatility of Arizona State transfer Jalin Conyers. At Arizona State, the now-senior lined up as a wide receiver and quarterback as well as in the slot and along the line like a traditional tight end. How will Tech utilize that versatility this fall?
Meanwhile, Mason Tharpe might have the highest ceiling of any TE on the roster. Given his 6-foot-9 frame, he should be a matchup issue for opposing defenses. However, he must show that he can stay healthy for an entire season.
Finally, don't forget about junior transfer from Elon, Johncarlos Miller III. A 6-foot-5, 240-pound junior, he repeatedly made big plays in the spring and he might be the most athletic of Tech's tight ends. Though the hype surrounding his arrival from the FCS ranks wasn't as loud as the hype surrounding Conyers' addition, he will see the field this year and could be a valuable weapon for the Red Raiders as well.
The secondary remains a puzzle yet to be completed
This year, the Red Raiders are essentially having to revamp their entire secondary after suffering massive losses due to graduation. However, there is a portion of that position group that seems solidified as camp begins.
McGuire said that C.J. Baskerville is the guy at the boundary safety and that Braylon Lux is one of the starting corners. While each of those players is a senior who played a ton of snaps last season, McGuire said some young players will also have to emerge in the secondary.
"I think the secondary," he said, "like one corner spot and the free safety and the strong safety, there's a lot of competition right there, who's going to be starters."
Names to keep an eye on at corner are Maurion Horn, Jalon Peoples, and Macho Stevenson, three young players who will battle for snaps at the spot opposite of Lux. At safety, youngsters such as Brendan Jordan, Chapman Lewis, Javeon Wilcox, and Jordan Sanford could all be called upon to fill spots in the two-deep and at least two players from that group will have to start.
The offensive line remains unsettled
Finally, the most important position group that must be sorted out is the offensive line. Last year's line was not good enough and this year, Tech could have as many as four new starters up front.
"I was very pleased with those guys coming out of spring," offensive coordinator Zach Kittley said on Tuesday. "We've got some older guys in that room that are in that starting lineup who have played a lot of ball. They haven't all played together that much so that's still something I want to see progress over the next four weeks before we get to [Abilene Christian].
Presumed starting left tackle, Sterling Porcher is currently sidelined with a slight hamstring pull that might keep him out for a week according to McGuire. That has forced presumed starting right guard Caleb Rogers to step in at left tackle for the time being.
When all are healthy, the questions that have to be answered appear to be along the interior. Can Sheridan Wilson hold onto the starting center spot or will Memphis transfer Davion Carter challenge him for the job? Is Rogers the best option at right guard after having never played that position as a Red Raider? Will the transfers such as Porcher and Toldeo transfer Vinny Sciury prove to be upgrades over the players they are replacing from last year?
"We feel good about a handfull of them," Kittley said, "but we're still going to have some competition...I feel good about those guys but again, I'm still looking forward to seeing how we progress over the next two to three weeks before we get into game week for ACU."