Texas Tech’s O-line push now targets starting center from Big 12 foe

The Texas Tech football program continues to try to solidify one of the most important position groups on the roster. One day after missing out on coveted FCS transfer Tyrell Green, who landed at Purdue of all places, it is now being reported that the program is pursuing Colorado starting center Cash Cleveland.

In fact, Pete Nakos of On3 Sports has reported that Tech has been in contact with Cleveland. Meanwhile, Inside the Red Raiders posted on X Wednesday morning that Cleveland is visiting Lubbock today.

This is an intriguing player who could compete for immediate playing time and also solidify the Red Raiders' depth at a position that has been a weakness for the entirety of the Joey McGuire era. Additionally, he could be a future building block given that he has multiple years of eligibility remaining.

Cleveland would be a fantastic addition for Texas Tech

Cleveland has an interesting story. Despite being a 3-star recruit in 2024, he joined the Colorado program as a walk-on from Rockwall, Texas. But despite not being on scholarship, he appeared in six games, with four of those being starts.

In fact, he saw significant action in Lubbock on November 9th when Colorado beat the Red Raiders 41-27. After that game, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders sang Cleveland's praises.

The next week, Cleveland made his first career start at home against Utah. He became the first true freshman walk-on in Colorado history to start at center.

According to the Colorado football website, Cleveland "Played 296 offensive snaps and 234 pass blocking snaps and only allowed one sack, one quarterback hit, and two hurries". What's more, he was named a freshman All-American by 247Sports, On3 Sports, and Pro Football Focus.

However, this offseason, Colorado did not reward Cleveland with a scholarship. Therefore, he entered the transfer portal ahead of the Buffaloes' spring game.

Now, Sanders' loss could be Joey McGuire's gain. Texas Tech doesn't necessarily need a starting center, given that 2024 starter Sheridan Wilson is set to return after a solid sophomore campaign.

However, Cleveland could compete for a starting spot at one of the guard positions. Additionally, there is always a need for a player who can play multiple positions, especially center, given that injuries along the offensive line are virtually guaranteed every season.

It is clear that Texas Tech wants to beef up its offensive line and that's understandable given how many struggles the program has endured with that position group in recent years. Now, we will wait to find out if Cleveland wants to return to his home state and become a Red Raider.