Three offensive players Texas Tech football needs more from in 2024

Expectations are high for the Texas Tech offense this season. Of course, that's typically the case in Lubbock where the Red Raiders' identity for the past 25 seasons has been rooted in putting up points.

In 2024, the Red Raiders have retooled the offensive side of the football in a big way. In fact, nine players on the first or second team of the post-spring depth chart were not with the program a season ago.

While newcomers such as transfer receivers Josh Kelly and Caleb Douglas, transfer tight end Jalin Conyers, and true freshman signee Micah Hudson have infused some serious juice into the Red Raider attack, the improvements of a handful of returnees could also do wonders for what offensive coordinator Zack Kittley is able to put together schematically.

So let's look at three returning offensive players that the Red Raiders need more from this season. And we'll start by examining the big-play potential of an All-Big 12 kick returner.

Drae McCray needs to be a big play threat on offense as well as in the kicking game

Last season, Texas Tech had a plodding offense that struggled to come up with big plays. That's because so many of the Red Raiders' weapons lacked explosive speed.

Tech was aware of that flaw prior to the season and that's why the coaching staff brought in the speedster Drae McCray from FCS program Austin Peay where he put up 1,888 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in two seasons. However, outside of the 717 yards and one TD he gave the program as a kickoff returner, he wasn't too much of a factor for the offense.

McCray managed to catch only 29 passes for 255 yards and two TDs. What's more, he averaged a meager 8.8 yards per catch despite his elite speed. Some of that had to do with the limitations of the passing game brought on by the sprained throwing shoulder of QB Behren Morton but some of that was because McCray proved to be less than elite as a route runner.

This year, Kittley must find inventive ways to get the ball in McCray's hands. Though there is more speed and athleticism on the offense, McCray remains the fastest player the offense boasts and finding a way to utilize that asset outside of the kick return game is something the Red Raiders must do in 2024.

Mason Tharpe could be a matchup nightmare for Texas Tech

Yes, the offense has added some talent at tight end over the offseason. However, returning senior Mason Tharpe might have as much upside as any tight end on the roster.

At 6-foot-9 and 270 pounds, he is a fluid route runner with soft hands who can be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. What's more, he's strong enough to be a factor as a blocker in the run game.

Unfortunately, though, a handful of minor injuries have slowed Tharp during his Red Raider career. In 2022 he missed a pair of games and last season he was sidelined for five.

In his career, Tharp has never had more than 200 receiving yards in a season. But last season, he did find the endzone four times.

Imagine what he could be if he stays healthy and if Tech finds a way to utilize him as more than just a situational player. With his size, he should be a third-down and red-zone terror.

Of course, another factor that will help make Tharp more effective as a receiver is if the offensive line can handle its pass-blocking duties without needing help from the tight ends. If that happens and if Tharp can be more of a receiver than an extra offensive tackle this year, the Red Raiders could finally see the version of Tharp that we've been waiting to see since he stepped on campus.

Coy Eakin has a big opportunity to step forward

Last season, it seemed as if wide receiver Coy Eakin and Morton developed some chemistry as the season progressed. Over the final five games of the year, that duo connected for 26 receptions for 281 yards and a TD. That included seven catches for 106 yards and a TD in the Independence Bowl victory over Cal.

Eakin, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Stephenville, Texas native isn't the biggest wide receiver but he plays a physical style that makes it feel like he's larger than he actually is. This year, given that Tech lost 6-foot-4 Loic Fouonji and 6-foot-5 Jerand Bradley to the portal, Eakin's ability to play the role of the physical outside receiver could be vital.

Yes, Tech has added Josh Kelly but he's only 6-foot-1. Similarly, freshman phenom Micah Hudson isn't a very big target either.

Thus, Eakin and 6-foot-4 Florida transfer Caleb Douglas need to be the physical outside targets that Tech can go to for contested catches down the field and in the red zone. So far, Eakin has topped out at 416 yards and two touchdowns in a season in his short Red Raider tenure. Don't be shocked to see him outpace those numbers by a considerable margin this fall, though.