As we keep on moving down through the Texas Tech Red Raider football record book, it’s impossible to not find proficient passers who helped showcase just how impressive Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense could be.
And as we wander through the passing records in TTU’s record book, it’s impossible not to note how Graham Harrell, in his first season as the full time starter for the Red Raiders, truly thrived in Texas Tech’s offense and was a thrill to watch.
Oh, and yeah, Harrell managed to keep the tradition alive. He became yet another Texas Tech quarterback to throw for 3000 or more yards in a single season. The fifth Red Raider to ever accomplish said feat and he provided the seventh such season in Texas Tech history.
If you think we’re going to be talking quite a bit about how Harrell made his mark on Texas Tech football, then you’d be absolutely right.
Texas Tech football history: Graham Harrell’s first season as a starter made him the fifth Red Raider to throw over 3000 yards in a season
During the 2006 season, Harrell got things started off with a stellar showing against the SMU Mustangs as he completed 34 passes on 49 attempts for five touchdowns against 1 pick and then tossed 342 yards. Not a bad way to get your college career rolling.
He then went on to throw for 300 or more yards in a single game on eight more occasions. That includes against UTEP (376 yards), Texas A&M (392 yards), Missouri (342 yards), Iowa State (368 yards), Texas (519 yards), Baylor (483 yards), Oklahoma State (353 yards) and Minnesota (445 yards).
It’s hard not to be impressed here. Harrell’s 2006 season was solid. He completed 412 passes on 617 attempts and managed to throw for 38 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. And then you’ve got the 4,555 yards that he threw.
And this season was Harrell’s worst season as a starter for the Red Raiders! He just got better and better as he continued his career with Mike Leach.