Heading into Saturday’s showdown with No. 5 Oklahoma, Graham Harrell has a chance to do something no other Texas Tech quarterback has done—lead the Red Raiders to the Big 12 Championship game.
Despite his team’s unblemished record (which features wins over No. 19 Kansas, No. 1 Texas, and No. 9 Oklahoma State), few people give Texas Tech much chance to win at OU. That’s probably fine with Graham Harrell. The Red Raiders were underdogs against Kansas and Texas, too.
Simply put, Graham Harrell is the best QB in head coach Mike Leach’s tenure at Texas Tech. Now, let’s examine some reasons why.
First, Harrell is a natural leader and has displayed these leadership qualities since he became the starter in 2006. Harrell’s background also helps when it comes to being successful at QB. He is the son of a coach. He’s spent hours upon hours looking at film and dissecting defenses.
Additionally, Harrell has played in the shotgun since he was 12 or 13 years old. His poise in the pocket and ability to find receivers is unrivaled. The greatness of Mike Leach’s offense is on full display with Graham Harrell in the shotgun awaiting the snap.
Harrell has a connection with his receivers and running backs that other Tech QBs haven’t enjoyed. He seldom makes a bad read, and his sure-handed receivers usually don’t let him down.
What’s new this season is Harrell’s increased pocket savvy. He’s shown a greater ability to sidestep pass rushers, as well as the ability to run for a first down when other options are covered. Few realize that Harrell rushed for 1,000 yards and 17 TDs during his senior season of high school football.
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Harrell came to Texas Tech like many others—not too heavily recruited, but with enough talent to garner attention from recruiting experts. Harrell’s offer list included Wisconsin, Louisiana Tech, Arizona State, Baylor, Georgia, NC State, and Purdue. Texas Tech’s biggest competition for his services was NC State.
But Harrell saw something special in Mike Leach’s offense and has been climbing NCAA passing charts ever since he signed on the dotted line.
In a season of firsts, it’s no coincidence that Harrell is leading the charge. Texas Tech is enjoying its first 10-0 start since 1938, and the team celebrated its first victory over a No. 1 team in program history. Harrell’s experience and decision-making are two of the reasons for Texas Tech’s meteoric rise.
A constant knock on Graham Harrell is that he’s a system QB. That can’t be further from the truth. Harrell has done everything that is asked of him and more—and he’s done more than any other Texas Tech QB.
Harrell’s NFL chances may hinge on his ability to put on weight and increase his foot speed. Over the last few weeks he has made all the throws that NFL QBs make, and he’s done it on a national stage against good defenses. Anyone who believes Graham Harrell can’t be a pro football player is judging Harrell based on previous Tech QBs and not on what Harrell has accomplished.
Mike Leach’s first QB at Texas Tech, Kliff Kingsbury, threw for 5,017 yards with 45 TDs and 13 INTs. Harrell has at least three games to play and has thrown for 4,077 yards with 36 TDs and five INTs. Kingsbury’s go-to guy was Wes Welker, and Harrell has Michael Crabtree.
Welker is proving his worth with the New England Patriots, and Crabtree continues to add to his lore at Texas Tech. But don’t criticize Harrell’s game for Crabtree’s success—he is far from the only weapon at Harrell’s disposal.
Harrell outshines Kingsbury for several reasons. One, he hasn’t lost. Two, changes in clock rules have shortened the games. Three, Harrell is able to utilize a vastly superior running game that has taken away opportunities for passing yardage, but helped the team win.
Also, Harrell broke Kingsbury’s school record for passing yards in only the fifth game of his senior season.
However, Kingsbury and Texas Tech’s past aren’t on Harrell’s mind. The senior from Ennis has a potential Big 12 Championship game to play and a trip to New York City on the horizon. Go ahead and doubt Graham Harrell, but don’t be surprised if he comes out on top.
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about 1 month ago
Once again, John Baucum has presented us with informative sports journalism unsurpassed by even the professionals. This piece definitely earns top honors, as do Graham Harrell and the Texas Tech Red Raiders!
about 1 month ago
If he's half as good as you say he is, he only has to do it four more times and we're bringing home the trophy. Great read!
about 1 month ago
That is a great article. The stats do not lie if he continues to put up the same type of numbers there is no way that we can be beat. 1000 yards in three games does not seem to far out there considering he has thrown 1200 the last three. I think he is going to do and so are the Red Raiders. Looking forward to having all my UT friends over this weekend to wathc them squirm. GO TECH!!!
about 1 month ago
Great insight on Harrell and Texas Tech! Interesting comparisons between Harrell and Kingsbury. Harrell's leadership, experience and decision making are obviously making a difference for TTU. We're ready to see more! Go Raiders! Beat OU!!!!
about 1 month ago
I never get tired of hearing about quality student athletes achieving. i love Graham's fire and his EXPECTATION of winning! Thanks John.
about 1 month ago
This Quarterback is unique, history only provides access to excellence one in a life time. Graham Harrell will take advantage of this event with his will to win attitude. He will not be denied. Texas Tech wins this game 41-38, I put my butt in the seat in the South endzone this Saturday.
Great article keep up the good work.
about 1 month ago
Can we get off the "wasn't highly recruited" label for Harrell? He ended his HS career as the state's all-time leader in TD passes, and was the #24 recruit in the state that year according to Rivals.
#23 was DT Brian Orakpo of Texas and #25 was DB Lendy Holmes at OU. Is anyone saying they were lightly regarded? Or is this about where Harrell chose to attend college?
about 1 month ago
In fairness, I listed the schools who recruited Harrell. He's done nothing but impress during his time at Texas Tech. I did not intend to slight Harrell in the least. He was a special player before he ever set foot on campus at Texas Tech.
about 1 month ago
This will be a fun game to watch. My random guess is OU will win 49 - 35. Harrell is great, but special teams, defense, and how the rest of the team matches up will determine this game.
about 1 month ago
Nice article. Tough game to win, but nobody ever said National Championships were easy!
about 1 month ago
Macus, aren't you afraid that people are going to think that's you? I love the Guitar Hero guitars in the background though. Nice touch!
about 1 month ago
Great aerticle. I have this game TTU 46, OU 32. That's going by scoring comparisons against ranked opponents.
about 1 month ago
Tech has certainly improved since my Huskers forced them into overtime, but I doubt they'll be able to stop OU. We'll see.
Great article -- you're a talented writer.
about 1 month ago
Thanks Dottie. Your Huskers sure gave us all we wanted. Pelini is building something special in Lincoln.
about 1 month ago
One of the things I love about Harrell is his quick release. He's a lot like Brees, no big windup, just get it, locate the receiver and hit him in stride. Having a guy like Crabtree would make a lot of QB's go in one direction, but Harrell is very judicious about spreading the ball.
One thing I don't understand is how Harrell is considered a questionable NFL prospect while Sam Bradford, who basically plays in the same type of system, is considered the consensus #1 pick.
about 1 month ago
Comparing Harrell to Brees is a great compliment. Thanks for the feedback. I guess the NFL questions will be answered next Spring. I think Harrell may prove the doubters wrong-- again.
about 1 month ago
Harrell is a system quarterback, and I mean that in the sense that his stats are inflated by the system he's in. But that doesn't mean he can't play in the NFL.
As for the team, they'll probably destroy whomever they play in the Cotton Bowl. The Sooners are just too good at home and the doubters were right about that.
about 1 month ago
Michael, your argument about Harrell being a system player has little merit. Every RB who goes to Ohio State, Penn State, Texas, OU or any other traditional running team should also be labeled a system player if you're going to label Harrell in that way.
I don't think Harrell is a system player because I think he would make a difference if he played for any other team. He's a special player who happened to go to a place that utilized his skill set.
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