Texas Tech Football: Breaking Down the Early Spring Depth Chart

The Lubbock Avalanche Journal recently published the unofficial early spring depth chart for Texas Tech football. Gone are names like Potts, Batch and Leong from the offensive chart as well as leaders Whitlock, Bird and Duncan from the defensive side.

For a team that suffered through some fairly bizarre special teams moments in 2010, the departure of both the starting kicker (Matt Williams) and punter (Jonathan Lacour) is downright scary.

Reviewing the chart gives the immediate sense of just how young the Red Raiders will be in 2011.  Indeed, only 22 seniors grace the depth chart; 12 on offense and only 10 on the defensive side of the ball. 

Of note, of these 22 only a precious seven seniors are listed among the first team players on the depth listings. This leaves Tech wanting for a very critical component; leadership.

Yes, the depth chart lists ends, receivers, guards and the like but what of the “L” position; who will be the leaders on this team?

The following slide show breaks down the unofficial Red Raiders depth chart (resulting from 11 practices which included two scrimmages) and also provides a bit of information on each player.

It will be interesting to see how much movement there is on the chart after Tech completes its final four practices and its spring game which is slated for March 26. And, after that the best recruiting class in school history rides into town . . . 

Offense

Going into Neal Brown’s second season as the Texas Tech OC gone are both the starting QB and his back up, the leading running back and the two most productive receivers. 

On the plus side the Red Raiders bring back two all conference offensive lineman (OG Lonnie Edwards and OT Mickey Okafor) and the No. 2 team rusher Eric Stephens.

Despite the retention on the line, this spring Coach Tuberville has expressed a lot of concern about the offensive line playing aggressive enough citing short yardage downs and goal line performance as critical areas that need improvement.

The question on everyone’s mind moving into the fall will of course surround which of the four quarterbacks will start when Tech opens up 2011 against Texas State on September 3.

Not listed due to injury are LT LaAdrian Waddle (So.) and FL Jacoby Franks (Sr.).

Left Tackle

1. Terry McDaniel, Jr. (6’6”, 315 pounds) from Diana, Texas. Redshirted in 2008, played in six games making four starts in 2009 (suffered a season ending injury during Nebraska game), and played in three games but did not start in 2010. 

2. Jonathan Guerra, Sr. (6’4”, 297 pounds) from Victoria, Texas. Played on the scout team from 2007-09, played in two games as a backup in 2010.

3. Matt Scott, Fr. (6’3”, 274 pounds) from Flower Mound, Texas. Redshirted in 2010.

Left Guard

1. Lonnie Edwards, Sr. (6’4”, 322 pounds) from Brownsboro, Texas. Redshirted in 2007, a backup in 2008 (six games), in 2009 started 10 games at left guard. In 2010, made all 13 starts at left guard and earned all Big 12 second team honors from the Coaches, Phil Steele, the San Antonio Express -News and the Dallas Morning News.

2. James Polk, Fr. (6’6”, 331 pounds) from Houston, Texas (Alief, Elsik). Redshirted in 2010. Three-star recruit in 2010, ranked No. 78 nationally among offensive tackles.

3. Terry McDaniel, Jr. *Also listed as the first string Left Tackle* (6’6”, 315 pounds) from Diana, Texas.  Redshirted in 2008, played in six games making four starts in 2009 (suffered a season ending injury during Nebraska game) and played in three games but did not start in 2010.

Center

1. Justin Keown, Sr. (6’4”, 300 pounds) from Anderson, South Carolina. Previously played at Hargrave Military Academy. In 2007, played in five games as the backup center and on special teams, redshirted in 2008. In 2009, played in five games and made two starts (at center). In 2010, started all 13 games as center making two tackles (one solo).  

2. David Neill, Sr. (6’5”, 284 pounds) from Flower Mound, Texas. Redshirted in 2007, in 2008 played in one game and in 2009 played in 12 games in a special teams capacity. In 2010 played in 12 games on special teams and earned first team Big 12 All Academic honors. 

Right Guard

Beau Carpenter

1. Deveric Gallington, Jr. (6’3”, 214 pounds) from North Richland Hills, Texas. Redshirted in 2008, in 2009 played in nine games as a backup and in 2010 started in all 13 games (as the right guard). 

2. Kyle Clark, So. (6’5”, 295 pounds) from Denton, Texas. Four-star recruit in 2009, ranked No. 21 among offensive tackles nationally and was No. 46 overall in the state of Texas. Redshirted in 2009 and played on the scout team in 2010.   

3. Beau Carpenter, Fr. (6’6”, 293 pounds) from Sulphur Springs, Texas. Three-star recruit in 2010, ranked No. 74 nationally among offensive tackles. 

Right Tackle

1. Mickey Okafor, Sr. (6’6”, 305 pounds) from Houston, Texas (Westbury). Redshirted in 2007, in 2008 played in three games and in 2009 played in five games and made two starts. In 2010, played and started in 11 games at right tackle, earned all Big 12 second team honors from the AP and the San Antonio Express-News. Other honors include first team all Big 12 academic in 2010.

2. Beau Carpenter, Fr. *Also listed as third string right guard* (6’6”, 293 pounds) from Sulphur Springs, Texas. Three-star recruit in 2010, ranked No. 74 nationally among offensive tackles.   

Inside Receiver

Inside Receiver (H)

1.  Tramain Swindall, Sr. (6’3”, 184 pounds) from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  

2007       Redshirted

2008       46 catches, 561 yards, two touchdowns

2009       55 catches, 694 yards, five touchdowns

2010       33 catches, 271 yards, one touchdown

2. Cornelius Douglas, Jr. (5’10”, 200 pounds) from Lawton, Oklahoma. 

2008       Redshirted

2009       4 catches, 28 yards, zero touchdowns

2010       20 catches, 215 yards, one touchdown

Inside Receiver (Y)

1. Austin Zouzalik, Jr. (5’11”, 191 pounds) from Lubbock, Texas. In 2010 earned Big 12 first team All Academic honors. 

2009       35 catches, 469 yards, two touchdowns

2010       31 catches, 432 yards, two touchdowns

2. Aaron Fisher, So. (6’2”, 186 pounds) from Keller Ridge, Texas.  2009 redshirted, 2010 played in 13 games mostly on special teams where he recorded four tackles (three solo). Has one career catch for nine yards.

3. Alex Torres, Jr. *Also listed as first string flanker* (6’1”, 199 pounds) from El Paso, Texas. Named to the freshman All-American third team by CollegeFootballNews.com in 2009 and in 2010 named second team Big 12 All Academic.

2009    67 catches, 806 yards, six touchdowns

2010    39 catches, 481 yards, three touchdowns 

Split End

Marcus Kennard

1. Eric Ward, So. (6’0”, 202 pounds) from Wichita Falls, Texas. 

2009       Redshirted

2010       six catches, 63 yards, zero touchdowns

2.  Marcus Kennard, Jr. (6’4”, 185 pounds) from Butler County C.C. in El Dorado, Kansas. A four-star recruit and Rivals.com Top 50 junior college player. Enrolled at Texas Tech in January of 2011. Caught five passes for 65 yards and one touchdown during the second spring scrimmage.

3. Derek Edwards, Fr. (6’1”, 163 pounds) from Brenham, Texas. A four-star recruit ranking No. 33 among receivers nationally and No. 39 overall in the state of Texas. Enrolled at Texas Tech in January of 2011.  Caught six passes for 85 yards in the second spring scrimmage.

Flanker

1.  Alex Torres, Jr. *Also listed as the third string IR(Y)* (6’1”, 199 pounds) from El Paso, Texas. In 2009, named to the freshman All-American third team by CollegeFootballNews.com and in 2010 named second team Big 12 All Academic. 

2009       67 catches, 806 yards, six touchdowns

2010       39 catches, 481 yards, three touchdowns 

2.  Darrin Moore, Jr. (6’4”, 210 pounds) from Irving, Texas, played previously at Blinn College in Texas. Stats in 2010 are 15 catches for 117 yards and one touchdown 

3.  Shawn Corker, Fr. (6’1”, 191 pounds) from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 2010 redshirted. Three–star recruit in 2010, ranked No. 58 among wide receivers nationally. Caught seven passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns in the second spring scrimmage (including dropping one pass in the end zone). 

4. Tyson Williams, Sr. (6’0”, 210 pounds) transferred in January 2011 from West Texas A&M (Canyon, Texas). In 2010, a first team All Lone Star Conference selection with 96 receptions, 1321 yards and eight touchdowns. Caught one pass for 28 yards in the second spring scrimmage. ** He will redshirt in 2011 and play his remaining year of eligibility at Tech in 2012 **

Tight End

Tony Trahan

1. Adam James, Sr. (6’3”, 233 pounds) from Celina, Texas.

2007       Redshirted

2008       15 catches, 159 yards, one touchdown

2009       17 catches, 154 yards, one touchdown

2010       two catches, 26 yards, zero touchdowns

2. Tony Trahan, So. (6’5”, 255 pounds) from Coppell, Texas.  Redshirted in 2010 after transferring from Rutgers where he played in six games. Career stats are six catches for 27 yards.

Running Back/Fullback

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

LUBBOCK, TX - SEPTEMBER 18: Running back Eric Stephens #24 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders is tackled by Jackson Jeffcoat #44 of the Texas Longhorns at Jones AT&T Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Running Back

1. Eric Stephens, Jr. (5’8”, 192 pounds) from Mansfield, Texas. In 2010, named all Big 12 honorable mention by the coaches, all Big 12 second team by the AP, the Fort Worth Star Telegram and the Columbia Tribune. Career kick-off return stats are 76 returns for 1894 yards. Rushing stats: 

2009       49 rushes, 254 yards, two touchdowns

2010       127 rushes, 668 yards, six touchdowns

2. Aaron Crawford, Sr. (5’10”, 205 pounds) from Memphis, Tennessee.

2007       54 rushes, 214 yards, four touchdowns

2008       eight rushes, 26 yards, one touchdown

2009       one rush, minus one yard, zero touchdowns

2010       10 rushes, 110 yards, one touchdown

3a.  Ben McRoy, So. (5’9”, 160 pounds) from Lakeland, Florida. A three-star recruit in 2010, McRoy ran the ball 22 times in 2010 producing 149 yards and two scores.

3b.  Harrison Jeffers, Jr. (5’7”, 201 pounds) from Lawton, Oklahoma.  

        2008       Redshirted

        2009       35 rushes, 217 yards, four touchdowns

        2010       18 rushes, 99 yards, zero touchdowns

3c.  Ronnie Daniels, Fr. (6’1”, 195 pounds) from Albuquerque, New Mexico. A three-star recruit (athlete) ranked No. 51 nationally among athletes and No. 4 overall in the state of New Mexico. Daniels enrolled at Texas Tech in January of 2011 and has received high praise during spring practice. “He will be hard to keep out of the lineup” were among the good words coach Tuberville had for the true freshman after a 12 run 80-yard performance in the second spring scrimmage.

Fullback

1. Omar Ontiveros, Fr. (6’1”, 227 pounds) from Austin, Texas (Westlake). In 2010, played on the scout team, recruited as a defensive lineman.

Quarterback

1. Seth Doege, Jr. (6’1”, 200 pounds) from Wolfforth, Texas. Redshirted in 2008, one career start (vs. Kansas) in 2009 and played in two games in 2010. Career stats are 41/65 for 444 yards, two touchdowns and zero picks. Went 16/31 for 246 yards, one touchdown and two picks in the second spring scrimmage. 

2.  Jacob Karam, So. (6’1”, 211 pounds) from Friendswood, Texas. Redshirted in 2009 and made one appearance in 2010 (vs. Weber State) where he threw one incomplete pass. A three-star recruit in 2009, ranking No. 18 among dual-threat quarterbacks nationally and No. 85 overall in the state of Texas. Karam went 12/21 for 204 yards and four touchdowns in the second spring scrimmage. 

3.  Scotty Young, Fr. (6’3”, 198 pounds) from Denton, Texas. Redshirted in 2010. Four-star recruit in 2009, ranked No. 10 nationally among pro-style quarterbacks, No. 228 overall nationally and No. 24 overall in Texas. Went 10/16 for 137 yards and threw one pick in the second spring scrimmage.

4. Michael Brewer, Fr. (6’1”, 175 pounds) from Lake Travis, Texas. A three-star recruit ranked as the No.27 dual-threat quarterback nationally Brewer enrolled at Texas Tech in January of 2011. Went 2/3 for 11 yards and one pick in the second spring scrimmage.

Kicker

1.  Donnie Carona, Sr. (5’11”, 217 pounds) from Beaumont, Texas. Carona has served as the long distance field goal kicker and handled kick-offs since 2008. Earned second team all Big 12 academic honors in 2010. With the exit of Matt Williams, Carona is aiming to handle all the kicking duties in 2010 but after a promising start performed poorly in the second spring scrimmage. Career stats include going 5/13 on field goals and 33/37 on extra points.

2.  Brad Hicks, Sr. (6’1”, 169 pounds) from Magnolia, Texas. Redshirted in 2009 and a scout team member in 2010. Two-time all NJCAA All American selection from Blinn College in Texas.

3.  Kramer Fyfe, Fr. (5’8”, 150 pounds) from Austin, Texas (Lake Travis). Redshirted in 2010. First team all state in football and soccer while at Lake Travis.

Defense

New DC Chad Glasgow

Texas Tech simply has a long, long way to go defensively. The Red Raiders finished 2010 ranked No. 93 overall in scoring, giving up 79 points in their last three contests (vs. FCS Weber State, Houston and Northwestern).

To add to the woes, gone are defensive leaders DT Colby Whitlock, DE Brian Duncan and LB Bront Bird.

Gone also is new (in 2010) DC James Willis who has been replaced with long time TCU secondary coach Chad Glasgow. The Red Raiders have run Glasgow’s new 4-2-5 scheme in both scrimmages thus far this spring.

Early reports indicate that Texas Tech still has a ton of improvement to make defensively and Tuberville was disappointed with the “D’s” performance in the second scrimmage, which included missed tackles and giving up big plays.

But, all gnashing of teeth aside, Glasgow is a great hire and there are some talented guys on the roster (as well as some top tier recruits incoming) for 2011.

Players not listed due to injury are: CB Jarvis Phillips (So.), CB Derrick Mays (So.), CB Urell Johnson (Fr.) and S Jared Flannel (Sr.)

Left End

Dartwan Bush

1.  Dartwan Bush, So. (6’1”, 248 pounds) from Clute, Texas. Played in seven games as a true freshman in 2010, racking up nine tackles (seven solo), three tackles for a loss and one sack.

2.  Aundrey Barr, So. (6’2”, 230 pounds) from Carrollton, Texas. Redshirted in 2009 and had season ending knee surgery in October 2010. Prior to the injury, Barr recorded three tackles (two solo) and one tackle for a loss.

Defensive Tackle

1.  Kerry Hyder, So. (6’2”, 265 pounds) from Austin, Texas (LBJ). Redshirted in 2009, played in 11 games (three starts) in 2010 recording 13 tackles (six solo), 3.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks and two forced fumbles.

2.  Donald Langley, Sr. (6’2”, 274 pounds) from Germantown, Maryland, transferred from Copiah-Lincoln Community College for the 2010 season. Made six starts and participated in 13 games in 2010, recording 14 tackles (nine solo) and recovered one fumble.

3.  Lawrence Rumph, Sr. (6’3”, 284 pounds) from Keller Ridge, Texas, transferred from Navarro Junior College for the 2010 season. Played in 13 games in 2010 (zero starts) registering nine tackles (seven solo), one tackle for a loss and one sack.

Nose Tackle

Pearlie Graves

1.  Pearlie Graves, So. (6’2”, 286 pounds) from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Redshirted in 2009 and participated in seven games (five starts) in 2010. Recorded 14 total tackles (five solo), 4.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks.

2.  Chris Perry, Sr. (6’4”, 309 pounds) from Keller, Texas. Redshirted in 2007 at Miami (FL), transferred to Texas Tech for the 2008 season where he played in eight games as a backup. Made his first start in 2009 and played in 10 games (one start) in 2010. Last year’s stats include three tackles.

3.  Coby Coleman, Fr. (6’2”, 317 pounds) from Frankston, Texas. Redshirted in 2010, Coleman was a 3-star recruit in 2010 ranking No. 57 among defensive tackles nationally and No. 98 overall in Texas. Registered eight tackles in the second spring scrimmage.

Right End

Jackson Richards

1. Jackson Richards, Fr. (6’4”, 245 pounds) from Southlake, Texas. A 4-star recruit in 2010, ranked No. 23 nationally among weak side defensive ends and No. 45 overall in Texas. Recorded two tackles in the second spring scrimmage. 

2. Scott Smith, Sr. (6’6”, 266 pounds) from Kailua, Hawaii transferred to Texas Tech from Butler Community College in Kansas for the 2010 season. Before being suspended in October, Smith registered 14 tackles (10 solo), four tackles for a loss, three sacks, one interception, forced two fumbles and recovered one fumble. Before hyper extending his elbow, Smith made two tackles in the second spring game. 

3. Chris Knighton, So. (6’1”, 250 pounds) from Longview, Texas. Redshirted in 2009, made his first appearance in the 2010 game vs. Weber State. Registered three tackles in the second spring scrimmage.

Linebacker

Blake Dees

Middle LB

1. Sam Fehoko, Sr. (6’0”, 233 pounds) from Honolulu, Hawaii. Redshirted in 2007, played in three games in 2008, played as a backup in 2009 and played in all 13 games (seven starts) in 2010. Racked up 40 tackles (28 solo), 3.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 2010.

2. Blake Dees, Fr.: (6’1”, 234 pounds) from Spanish Fort, Alabama. A 3-star recruit, Dees enrolled at Texas Tech in January of 2011. Dees has received early praise from Tech coaches including Tuberville who has stated that Dees “understands defense and is going to be a very good player.” Recorded two tackles in the second spring scrimmage.

3. Joe Carmical, Fr. (6’1”, 242 pounds) from Monticello, Arkansas. Redshirted in 2010, played quarterback in high school but recruited as a linebacker (only played LB his senior season). 

Strong Side LB

1. Daniel Cobb, So. (6’0”, 215 pounds) from Killeen, Texas. Played in nine games in 2010 accounting for three tackles (two solo) and broke up two passes. Registered five tackles (four solo) and one sack in the second spring scrimmage.

2. Cqulin Hubert, So. (6’2”, 231 pounds) from Houston, Texas (Eisenhower). Played in nine games in 2010 registering 31 total tackles (12 solo) and two tackles for a loss. Six total tackles in the second spring scrimmage.

3. Tyrone Sonier, Sr. (6’2”, 233 pounds) from Missouri City, Texas. Redshirted in 2007, played in four games in 2008, a backup in 2009 and saw action in 11 games in 2010. Registered 23 tackles (16 solo), one tackle for a loss and one sack in 2010.

4. Zach Winbush, So. (6’1”, 206 pounds) from Schertz, Texas. Played in two games in 2010 accounting for two total tackles.

5. Tanner Foster, Jr. (6’2”, 215 pounds) from Midland, Texas. Played in six games in 2010, mainly in a special teams capacity. Four total tackles in 2010.

6.  Dion Chidozie, So. (6’1”, 208 pounds) from Dallas, Texas (Bishop Lynch). Made one appearance in 2010 (against Weber State) on special teams.

Cornerback

Eugene Neboh

Field CB

1.  Eugene Neboh, Jr. (5’10”, 174 pounds) from Odessa, Texas. Played on the scout team in 2009 and played in nine games in 2010 (four starts).  Amassed 25 tackles (16 solo), one tackle for a loss and two broken up passes. 

2. Jeremy Reynolds, Fr. (5’9”, 163 pounds) from Greensboro, North Carolina. A 3-star recruit, Reynolds enrolled at Texas Tech in January 2011. Registered three tackles in the second spring scrimmage.

Boundary CB

1. Sawyer Vest, Jr. (5’11”, 172 pounds) from Childress, Texas. Played QB in High School. On the scout team in 2009-10. Accounted for six total tackles in the second spring scrimmage. 

2. Junior Osunde, Jr. (5’10”, 180 pounds) from Seguin, Texas. Three-star prospect, transferred to Texas Tech from Kilgore Junior College in Texas for the 2010 season. Registered four tackles in the second spring scrimmage.

3. Dante Floyd, So. (5’9”, 175 pounds) from Midlothian, Texas.

Safety

D.J. Johnson

SS

1. Terrance Bullitt, So. (6’3”, 191 pounds) from Garland, Texas. Redshirted in 2009, played in 12 games in 2010 amassing 23 tackles (15 solo), two tackles for a loss, one broken up pass and one forced fumble.  

2a. Desmond Martin, Fr. (6’1”, 190 pounds) from Round Rock, Texas. Redshirted in 2010; Martin was a 3-star recruit in 2010 ranking No. 59 nationally among safeties. 

2b. Giorgio Durham, Sr. (6’0”, 188 pounds) from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Played two years at Central Oklahoma University before transferring to Texas Tech, redshirted in 2010. Was named the Lone Star Conference DB of the Year in 2009. 

4. Arlan Waller, Jr. (6’0”, 190) from DeSoto, Texas. Played on the scout team in 2009 and played in seven games in 2010 contributing five total tackles.  

5. Russell Polk, Fr. (5’10”, 211 pounds) from Dallas, Texas (Carter). Redshirted in 2010, a 3-star recruit ranking No. 75 among safeties nationally. Registered one tackle in the second spring scrimmage.

6. Don Hursey, Fr. (5’10”, 181 pounds) from Washington, D.C. Redshirted in 2010, a 3-star recruit.

FS

1. D.J. Johnson, Jr. (6’0”, 190 pounds) from Austin, Texas (St. Stephens Episcopal). Played 12 games in 2009 and 2010. Racked up 43 tackles (37 solo), two tackles for losses, three picks and four passes broken up in 2010. Earned all Big 12 honorable mention recognition from the Big 12 Coaches.

2. Tre Porter, So. (6’0”, 182 pounds) from Midwest City, Oklahoma. Was the Big 12 leading freshman tackler with 76 tackles (61 solo), and also registered four tackles for a loss, one interception and six broken up passes. Per Coach Tuberville Porter will also play safety where the Red Raiders are quite needy.

3. Jordan Osborne, Jr. (6’0”, 184 pounds) from The Woodlands, Texas. Transferred to Texas Tech from North Dakota State and redshirted in 2010.

WS

1. Cody Davis, Jr. (6’2”, 194 pounds) from Stephenville, Texas. Redshirted in 2008, freshman All American first team selection by Phil Steele in 2009 and played in all 13 games in 2010. Stats from 2010 include 87 tackles (68 for a loss), 6.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, one pick and four broken up passes. Earned all Big 12 honorable mention and first team all Big 12 Academic honors in 2010.

2.  Brett Dewhurst, Sr. (5’11”, 197 pounds) from Klein, Texas. Redshirted in 2007, played in 12 games on special teams in 2008, made first career start in 2009 and played in all 13 games in 2010. Racked up 35 tackles (25 solo) and four broken up passes in 2010.

Punter

1. Ryan Erxleben, So. (6’1”, 192 pounds) from Lake Travis, Texas. Redshirted in 2010, Erxleben registered 43 punts in 2009 for 1756 yards with an average of 40.8 yards per punt. 

2. Donnie Carona, Sr. *Also listed as the first string kicker* (5’11”, 217 pounds) from Beaumont, Texas.  Carona has served as the long distance field goal kicker, backup punter and handled kick-offs since 2008.  Earned second team all Big 12 academic honors in 2010.