Texas Tech RB projections for 2024: Tahj Brooks is back to be among the top backs in the Big 12.
The rushing leader from 2023 is back for the Red Raiders; how does the rest of the room look?
Tahj Brooks is returning for his fifth season with the Red Raiders following an incredible 1,538 rushing yard campaign. He is only 1,083 yards shy of Byron Hanspard’s all-time Texas Tech rushing record.
Many in the Texas Tech community were surprised by Brooks’ decision to play one more season in Lubbock, as he was considered a 2024 NFL draft prospect. Brooks will now be in the running for the Big 12 title alongside players like Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon III.Important Returners: Bryson Donnell (Redshirt Sophomore, 5-10, 220), Cam’Ron Valdez (Junior, 5-9, 205), and Tahj Brooks (Redshirt Senior, 5-10, 230).
Nehemiah Martinez (moved to Abilene Christian) was one of the major losses.
In order to help replace the outstanding running back, the Red Raiders will try to develop one of the young backs behind Brooks.
Before the 2023 season, head coach Joey McGuire considered Cam’Ron Valdez as the next best running back with a different gear. He was referred to as a “one-cut and go” type of player. Valdez’s narrative in 2023 was one of severe injuries, a theme that ran throughout his Red Raider tenure. Last season, he gained 286 yards on 52 carries.
The Red Raiders have the highly anticipated freshman Cameron Dickey in addition to a plethora of young running backs signed as part of the 2023 signing class, with Valdez back after testing the transfer portal.
in J’Maury Davis, Anquan Willis, and Bryson Donnell.
Why 2024 might be preferable
Seeing as how one of the best running backs in the Big 12 conference is still in the running to break the school record for most rush yards with another 1,000-yard campaign, it is understandable why there is so much optimism surrounding the Texas Tech running game.
With Brooks back with the Red Raiders behind a revamped offensive line, it is reasonable to anticipate that he will surpass, if not surpass, his outstanding 2023 campaign in 2024.
Why things might get worse in 2024
As was the case in 2023, despite all the hope surrounding Brooks, no one has been shown to be behind the standout back. Tech needs to come up with a better backup plan.
Pass protection is one of Brooks’ strongest suits, so if the Red Raiders could teach Valdez or one of the younger backs to be proficient in that area of the game, it would help keep the starting quarterback fresh.
overall perspective
The Red Raider backfield, which is probably in the most relaxed position for supporters coming into the season, has a chance to accomplish something exceptional in 2024.
