Texas Tech's Cameron Watts Carted Off vs. Texas With Apparent Head Injury
Nov 25, 2023
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 14: Cameron Watts #21 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs across the field during the first half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 14, 2023 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
Texas Tech defensive back Cameron Watts was carted off the field after suffering an apparent head injury during his team's road game against the Texas Longhorns on Friday.
Texas Tech's Cameron Watts was carted off the field after an apparent injury. pic.twitter.com/tkbqrGvFgf
Per Nick Schultz of On3, Watts suffered the injury after a head-to-head collision with teammate Nehemiah Martinez while defending a Texas punt return in the third quarter. According to the ABC broadcast, Watts moved his arms following the hit.
Medical staff stabilized Watts before putting him onto a stretcher.
Watts, who is from Tulsa, Oklahoma, earned a spot on the Academic All-Big 12 first team last season. He appeared in all 12 of Texas Tech's games this year. Watts sees most of his work as a special teamer and has made seven tackles in 2023.
5-Star WR Micah Hudson Commits to Texas Tech over Alabama, More; 2024 No. 9 Recruit
Sep 12, 2023
Texas Tech may not be a powerhouse football team, but it outrecruited some of the nation's top programs when it came to highly regarded wide receiver Micah Hudson.
Jarret Johnson of 247Sports reported the Red Raiders landed a verbal commitment from Hudson on Monday.
He is a 5-star prospect, the No. 9 overall player and the No. 2 wide receiver in the class of 2024, per 247Sports' composite rankings.
"Hudson is quite simply, the highest-rated recruit to commit to Texas Tech in the modern recruiting era and perhaps in the history of the football program," Johnson wrote while noting he had scholarship offers from the likes of Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma and Texas A&M.
Johnson noted the commitment comes after he visited Texas Tech as it hosted Oregon on Saturday.
Gabe Brooks of 247Sports listed Hudson's pro comparison as reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson. That is quite high praise, but he called the prospect a "mid-air acrobat" who is "capable of contorting in traffic to win contested throws."
Brooks also highlighted his ability to make plays after the catch and his speed in the open field.
Production certainly isn't an issue, as Hudson had 3,600 yards and 39 touchdowns from scrimmage prior to his senior year at the high school level, per Johnson.
Texas Tech now has the No. 23 overall class in the 2024 rankings, per 247Sports.
While it is off to an 0-2 start with losses to Wyoming and Oregon in head coach Joey McGuire's second season at the helm, it nearly upset the Ducks in a back-and-forth showdown. The Red Raiders were also 8-5 last year, which was their best record since they finished with the same mark during the 2013 campaign.
There is clearly plenty of momentum for McGuire to build on, and landing program-altering recruits like Hudson is the perfect way to do just that.
The Big 12 figures to be wide open in the coming years with the impending departures of Texas and Oklahoma, and Texas Tech could challenge for league titles down the line. It will be much easier to do so if Hudson lives up to his potential.
Texas Tech Football Coach Joey McGuire Climbs 220 Foot Crane on Video to Fulfill Bet
Jun 21, 2023
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 28: Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire speaks to the crowd after his teams victory 42-25 during the TaxAct Texas Bowl between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Ole Miss Rebels on December 28, 2022 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Leslie Plaza Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Texas Tech football coach Joey McGuire already overcame one opponent months before the 2023 season.
That opponent?
A 220-foot tall crane.
As Don Williams of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal explained, there is a crane that stands 220 feet tall at Jones AT&T Stadium as part of an ongoing renovation project that will finish before the 2024 season.
McGuire was asked how many retweets it would take to climb the crane and responded by saying "3000 and I am in."
Matt Dowdy, who is Texas Tech's assistant athletics director for media relations, explained there was "zero" risk because "every safety precaution there is was utilized. He was also with the experts that go up and down there every day."
Games against Big 12 opponents may not look that intimidating for the coach after that climb.
Tyree Wilson Medically Cleared After Foot Injury; Won't Participate in TTU Pro Day
Mar 24, 2023
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 01: Defensive lineman Tyree Wilson of Texas Tech speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson will not participate in the program's pro day next week despite being medically cleared after having the hardware removed from his surgically repaired foot, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Wilson's doctor, Dr. Robert Anderson, sent a letter to each of the NFL's 32 teams stating that he should avoid any activity that makes him sweat for the next 15-20 days in order to avoid infection while his incision heals.
Consensus Top 10 pick Tyree Wilson is being medically cleared by renowned foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson.
Anderson advised Wilson not to sweat while his incision heals, so he won’t work out at Texas Tech pro day next week. He plans to hold a workout for teams in mid-April. pic.twitter.com/IeZLDIUOm4
Wilson intends to hold a workout for teams in mid-April, Rapoport added.
Wilson only participated in the bench press at the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this month because of the hardware in his foot. However, he received "rave reviews" for his interviews with teams, according to NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah.
The 22-year-old began his college career at Texas A&M in 2019 before transferring to Texas Tech ahead of the 2020 campaign. Prior to suffering the foot ailment in 2022, Wilson posted seven sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, 61 tackles and 4 tackles for a loss in 10 games.
Bleacher Report NFL draft scout Matt Holder notes that Wilson is "physically dominant" and "pretty versatile." B/R's scouting department also ranked Wilson as the 16th-best prospect in the 2023 class.
"At the end of the day, a team looking for a versatile defensive lineman who is a plus run defender and pass rusher should have no problem taking Wilson in the top 20 picks," Holder wrote.
Holder lists Wilson's pro comparison as two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Carlos Dunlap, who was selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft out of Florida.
Every college football season, there are unexpected breakout campaigns. It is especially cool to see this happen to quarterbacks, a position that oftentimes…
Tyree Wilson NFL Draft 2023: Scouting Report for Texas Tech DL
Jan 31, 2023
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - DECEMBER 05: Defensive lineman Tyree Wilson #0 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders lines up for a play during the first half of the college football game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Jones AT&T Stadium on December 05, 2020 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
HEIGHT: 6'6"
WEIGHT: 271
HAND: 9 5/8"
ARM: 35 3/8"
WINGSPAN: TBD
40-YARD DASH: TBD
3-CONE: TBD
SHUTTLE: TBD
VERTICAL: TBD
BROAD: TBD
POSITIVES
— Great size for an NFL defensive end and carries little to no bad weight.
— Excellent power rusher with the strength, hand placement and leg drive to collapse the pocket with a bull rush or one-arm stab move against offensive tackles. He's also shown the ability to win with a hump-by move.
— Solid rip move to win around the edge as a pass-rusher.
— Against the run, he takes on blocks with good knee bend and pad level (especially for his height) and has a lot of pop in his hands to gain control of the block and get a leverage advantage. He can reset the line of scrimmage.
— Takes on blocks with a wide base, and he's hard to move one-on-one against the run with strength and technique.
— Has little-to-no problems shedding or getting off blocks.
— Hustle player who takes good angles in pursuit, he can make tackles down the field to help save touchdowns and/or more explosive plays.
NEGATIVES
— Sub-par get-off overall, late reaction to the snap, and false steps out of a two-point stance.
— Struggles with the accuracy of his initial chops when working finesse moves.
— Adequate bend at the top of the rush, not the most flexible to turn a tight corner around the edge.
— Lacks a plan when rushing, he doesn't work many counter moves if his initial effort doesn't work.
— Needs to be more gap-disciplined, he has a habit of ducking inside blocks and will get caught popping his gap early.
— Not athletic enough and lacks zone awareness to drop into coverage at the next level.
— 2021 Honors: All-Big 12 honorable mention, Liberty Bowl Defensive MVP, All-Bowl Team (AP)
OVERALL
There were times this past season when Tyree Wilson looked like a man among boys, that's how physically dominant he is. He uses his strength well both as a pass-rusher and run defender and is surprisingly good at gaining a leverage advantage at the point of attack for how tall he is.
My biggest concern with Wilson is that he's not a high-end athlete like a lot of other defensive linemen in this draft class. His bend and overall athletic ability aren't necessarily bad, per se, but he might fall short in that department when compared to other first-rounders. It will be interesting to see how he tests at the combine, especially after the foot injury.
Schematically, the Red Raider is pretty versatile. He'd be a good fit as a 5- to 4i-technique in even or odd fronts and can even slide a little further inside to a 3-tech on occasion with his impressive strength. However, I wouldn't put him as a standup outside linebacker in odd fronts, even though he played that role at Texas Tech.
At the end of the day, a team looking for a versatile defensive lineman who is a plus run defender and pass rusher should have no problem taking Wilson in the top 20 picks.
Texas Tech, HC Joey McGuire Agree to 6-Year, $26.6M Contract Ahead of Ole Miss Game
Dec 28, 2022
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Joey McGuire of the Texas Tech Red Raiders stands with his wife Debbie McGuire after the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at Jones AT&T Stadium on November 12, 2022 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
Texas Tech and first-year head coach Joey McGuire agreed to a new six-year, $26.6 million contract, the school announced Wednesday.
"I firmly believe our best days are still ahead with Coach McGuire at the helm of our football program," athletic director Kirby Hocutt said in a statement. "It was evident throughout this football season that he and his staff are building a culture that will benefit this program for years to come. Coach McGuire will be the first to tell you that his goal is not to just play in a bowl game but to win championships, and I believe we are on that path under his direction."
McGuire led the Red Raiders to a 7-5 record and went 5-4 in the Big 12, the most wins for the school in conference play since 2009.
It was only the team's second winning season in the past seven seasons. Highlights of the 2022 campaign included beating both Texas and Oklahoma and finishing the regular season on a three-game winning streak.
McGuire's new deal will give him a raise in the ballpark of $1 million per season and also "includes $100,000 annual raises—topping out at $4.6 million in the final season—plus performance bonuses," according to ESPN.
Honored to be a part of this great University and to lead this team. This place is special! See you tonight Red Raider Nation Let’s goooooooooo! #WreckEm🌵 https://t.co/zteaHeQPaV
"I'm fortunate to have the support of a tremendous administration here at Texas Tech with president Schovanec and the best athletics director in the country in Kirby Hocutt," McGuire said in the announcement. "We firmly believe the success our team has experienced this season is the standard for what is yet to come. Our entire family can't thank Red Raider Nation enough for their passionate support that is unmatched in college football."
McGuire, 51, was on Baylor's coaching staff from 2017 to 2021. Prior to that, he spent 21 years coaching Texas high school football.
Texas Tech's reward for its second straight seven-win season is a matchup with Ole Miss (8-4) on Wednesday night in the TaxAct Texas Bowl. The hope will be that many future bowl games and playoff berths follow with McGuire at the helm.
"This place is so special," McGuire told Mike Fisher of SI.com. "I am excited about the future of Texas Tech football."
Texas Tech LB Bryce Ramirez Taken to Hospital After Suffering Gruesome Leg Injury
Sep 18, 2022
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 23: Linebacker Bryce Ramirez #54 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts after the Red Raiders recoverd a fumble during the first half of the college football game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 23, 2021 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
Texas Tech linebacker Bryce Ramirez was carted off the field and taken to the hospital after suffering a leg injury during Saturday's game against North Carolina State.
Per the Associated Press, the injury occurred when Texas Tech defenders tackled Wolfpack running back Jordan Houston, and the pile rolled over Ramirez's left leg as it was planted in the field turf.
The AP noted the game had to be stopped for approximately 10 minutes while Ramirez was loaded onto a cart.
The ESPN telecast said Ramirez was being transported to the Wake Trauma Center to be treated for the injury.
Players from both teams came up to Ramirez to offer well-wishes to the junior linebacker.
Texas Tech LB Bryce Ramirez was carted off the field with a leg injury.
The NC State offense came up to him to offer their well wishes as he exited the field. pic.twitter.com/mJ8QhBOvKL
Per Don Williams of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Ramirez is a former walk-on who earned a scholarship and made his first career start on Saturday.
Ramirez enrolled at Texas Tech for the 2019-20 academic year. He was a member of the Red Raiders' scout team in his first two seasons and didn't appear in a game.
The Texas native appeared in seven games during the 2021 season, recording three tackles on special teams. He had three tackles in the Red Raiders' 33-30 double-overtime win over Houston on Sept. 10.
Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes to Be Inducted into Texas Tech Hall of Fame, Ring of Honor
Aug 21, 2022
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 20: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs scrambles during the second quarter against the Washington Commanders at Arrowhead Stadium on August 20, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Patrick Mahomes is adding more accolades to his already impressive list of accomplishments.
Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt announced on Saturday that Mahomes will be added to the school's Ring of Honor and Hall of Fame during a campus ceremony on Oct. 28.
"When you look at the face of the NFL, that is Patrick Mahomes," Hocutt said in the announcement. "Patrick's accomplishments at Texas Tech are well documented with his success as one of the top quarterbacks in college football history. Patrick is an NFL MVP and a Super Bowl champion, but he's, most importantly, a Red Raider who remains an avid supporter of our great university. We are excited to welcome home Patrick and his family later this fall to see his name formally honored inside Jones AT&T Stadium."
According to the announcement, Mahomes was unanimously voted in by the Ring of Honor committee. He will be the eighth member of the Texas Tech ring of honor since its inception in 2012.
Mahomes played three seasons at Texas Tech from 2014-16. He was the backup to Davis Webb as a freshman but took over as the starter late in the year after Webb suffered a season-ending injury.
In his two full seasons as the starting quarterback, Mahomes threw for 9,705 yards and 77 touchdowns in 25 games. He tied the FBS single-game record with 734 passing yards and set an FBS record with 819 yards of offense in a 66-59 loss to Oklahoma on Oct. 22, 2016.
As a junior, Mahomes led the nation in passing yards (5,052), total yards (5,337) and total touchdowns responsible for (53). He ranks third all-time in school history with 11,252 passing yards, 857 completions and 93 passing touchdowns.
The Kansas City Chiefs selected Mahomes with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft. After playing behind Alex Smith as a rookie, he took the league by storm in 2018 and was named NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year.
Mahomes was also named MVP of Super Bowl LIV after leading the Chiefs to a 31-20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers after the 2019 season.
In addition to the induction ceremony, Mahomes' name will be unveiled on the West Stadium Building of Jones AT&T Stadium on Oct. 29 during Texas Tech's game against Baylor.
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