Wideout Sensation Crabtree and Returning Senior Key to Tech Productivity

The essential aspect of college football success is teamwork. A college squad can be loaded with superstars but if the team is unable to communicate and co-operate, disaster is sure to occur on the field. The Texas Tech Red Raiders from Lubbock, Texas have a team that has championship makings. Coach Mike Leach has his team in line for perhaps the best season in Red Raider history. Make no mistake though; this team lacks a large crop of superstars. There are a few players whose performances over the season are extremely important for Texas Tech success.

Michael Crabtree, WR

Michael Crabtree is the most important player on the Texas Tech football team for this upcoming season. Crabtree brings elements on and off the field that no other player brings. Crabtree is a media frenzy. He was the best wide receiver in the nation and will be the talk of the nation heading into this season. Crabtree is big, fast, and has very sticky hands. He is the key to the Tech offense. Defenders will flock to him and leave the other receivers open, and his skill will allow him to beat double teams leaving him as a valuable target for QB Graham Harrell. The only thing that is scary about Crabtree is his drive. He is a top five pick coming out after this year, so one has to wonder if NFL dreams will affect college performance.

Darcel McBath, Safety

The senior leader of the Tech defense, McBath is essential for this rag tag defense to succeed. McBath was not a great pass defender but he made huge tackles all year. He was the safety net when a running back broke into the second plane. McBath will need to be ready to handle the deep ball. The Tech front line will not always put great pressure on the opposing QB so McBath will need to fly to opposing receivers and keep the deep plays to a minimum. The defensive backs will need to keep opposing offenses honest.
 

The Tech football team is solid on the offensive line. The quarterback is in line to put up an amazing season even by Tech QB standards. The other wide receivers are efficient enough to draw attention. The defense, in their second year under coach Ruffin McNiell, will need to mesh to stop the high powered offenses of the Big 12. Michael Crabtree and Darcel McBath are the two most essential players for success in the 2008 football season. Each player will need to lead, perform, and succeed on their respective side of the ball to assure Red Raider victory.

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