Texas Tech Football: 5 Most Underrated Players

The Texas Tech Red Raiders have won their first two games of the season and they did it with the help of players that are not exactly household names.

Most people have heard of QB Seth Doege and his NCAA record breaking performance against New Mexico. He set an NCAA completion percentage record for a single game. 

However, as with every football team, the QB gets all the love and glory while everyone else gets ignored.

Here are five players on Tech's football team that get no love, but are going to be critical for a successful 2011 season.

1. S Terrance Bullit

S Terrance Bullitt is someone that's going to be a big factor in Texas Tech's secondary this season.

In the game against New Mexico, he made a nice play in the backfield on a reverse play and caused the Lobos to go back some yards.

He already has two total tackles for a loss this season.

He also has an INT and a pass deflected. 

On top of this, he is a RS Sophomore for Tech.

He is someone head coach Tommy Tuberville thinks has a lot of upside and is impressed with his improvement.

Tuberville pointed out that Bullitt has added bulk and pointed out his increased awareness on the play he made against the reverse.

As the season goes along, Tech's young defense only stands to get better and Bullitt will be someone to keep your eye one.

2. DT Chris Perry

Senior DT Chris Perry is a transfer from Miami and is not starting.

However, he is a very good player and has a chance to really make an impact as he plays many snaps off the bench. He already is leaving a fingerprint on the game right now.

Perry has seven total tackles and two tackles for a loss on the season.

He is listed as 6'4" 284 pounds. Perry is a strong individual and can really be a tough blocking assignment for an offensive lineman.

If Perry can play well, he may find his way into the starting lineup and play an even bigger role for this defense.

3. LB Blake Dees

Freshman Blake Dees has really turned heads recently.

The freshman LB leads the team in tackles so far this season.

He has been very active at getting to the ball carrier. Dees also has a pick this season to go with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. 

He has just been a very solid playmaker on defense this year.

Dees raw talent and will take some time to develop. However, he has good upside with strength and agility to make some plays.

Dees also shows up to play when it matters. He lead his defense in tackles in the Alabama State Championship game.

As the season goes along, I have a feeling people are going to be hearing a lot more from Dees as he learns and develops.

4. WR Eric Ward

Redshirt Sophomore WR Eric Ward is a very talented wideout.

Ward has three TD catches this season with 93 yards on 10 receptions.

Ward did not get much time last season coming off his redshirt, but he will look to get his share of targets from QB Seth Doege.

Ward was originally committed to go to Oklahoma before switching late in the recruiting season in 2009. 

He will help spread the defense and give Doege another reliable pair of hands across from top WR Darrin Moore.

Ward can be a very a nice second-option for Doege and is just a sophomore.

He will only get better as the season goes along.

5. Eric Stephens

The junior RB for Texas Tech, Eric Stephens, I do not feel gets enough love for what he brings to this offense.

He has 210 yards rushing this season on 35 attempts. That is good for six-yards per carry.

Stephens has been very efficient at making the most of every touch and is going to be huge for Tech's offense this season.

The play of Stephens will allow Tech to run more play-action-plays, and really open up the play book for QB Seth Doege and the passing game.

Teams now have to respect Tech's running game and it can only help the passing attack get better.

Stephens has solid quickness and is effective at attacking the line of scrimmage.

He is also a threat catching the ball as well. Stephens has seven receptions and three TD this season already.

I really feel Stephens is the most important player on the offense for Tech. His play will help Tech keep drives alive and prevent long third-down conversions.