Tag: Tahj Brooks

2024 NFL draft: Bowl season RB big board

2024 NFL draft: Bowl season RB big board from Draft Wire’s Jeff Risdon

Bowl season keeps chugging along like a reliable running back ripping off first down after first down. Finding running backs who can do that in the NFL is one of the goals of the scouting process.

This year’s class doesn’t appear to have any surefire first-rounders like a year ago when Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs both came off the draft board in the top 12 picks. The early impression is that this is a good group to tailor to individual team fits, and there is a good selection of capable talent, if not any transcendent types of RBs.

Offensive tackles

Wide receivers (via Brennen Rupp)

Cornerbacks

EDGE rushers

 

Tahj Brooks announces return in 2024

It will be Tahj time again in 2024.

The Texas Tech Red Raiders received a massive bump for next season. Star running back Tahj Brooks announced that he would return for his fifth season in Lubbock on Monday morning.

Brooks is coming off the most productive season of his career with a bowl game left to play on Saturday against California. He rushed for 1,443 yards with 9 touchdowns during the regular season. According to Pro Football Focus, Brooks also led the nation in missed tackles forced (91) and finished fourth in yards after contact.

Brooks’ breakout season began in 2022 during the Texas Bowl, where he rushed for 6.4 yards per attempt against the Ole Miss Rebels. The lead runner for Tech rushed for over 100 yards in eight of the final 10 games of the regular season.

It appears that quarterback Behren Morton will have plenty of weapons with the impending addition of five-star wide receiver Micah Hudson and four-star transfer tight end Jalin Conyers.

This news comes shortly after backup running back Cam’Ron Valdez announced that he would enter the transfer portal.

Bryson Donnell will likely fill the void of backup running back for Texas Tech in their bowl matchup. He has seen limited action as a redshirt freshman this season. Donnell carried the ball just four times for 15 yards.

Week 6’s top performers in the Big 12 led by Tahj Brooks and Dillon Gabriel

Checking in on the best top performers of Week 6 in the Big 12.

Big 12 play in Week 6 kicked off under the Friday Night Lights as the Oklahoma State Cowboys hosted the Kansas State Wildcats. Both teams now sit at 3-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play after the Pokes’ big win.

The must-see game of the week featured the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns going head-to-head in the Red River Rivalry for the final time as Big 12 members. They could have a rematch in the Big 12 title game if all comes to fruition. The game didn’t disappoint as the outcome was decided in the final minutes of the game.

The Kansas Jayhawks took care of business against the UCF Knights after building a 24-0 halftime lead in Lawrence. KU is now one win away from bowl eligibility with the 51-22 win. They look strong even without Jalon Daniels but this team plays at another level with him under center.

The nightcap featured a pair of 2-3 teams evening their records at 3-3 and 2-1 in Big 12 play. Texas Tech built up a 24-3 lead heading into the fourth quarter before putting the Baylor Bears away, 39-14. The Iowa State Cyclones took care of TCU 27-14 but the game wasn’t even that close as they held the 27-7 lead until the final two minutes of the game.

With the games in the rearview mirror, College Sports Wire checks in with the top performers of the week.

Top 10 Big 12 rushers based on their PFF run grades

A look at the top 10 running backs in 2022 for the Big 12 Conference. Kansas State, Texas, and Texas Tech claim six of the 10 best runners.

When it came to running the football, the Big 12 Conference had plenty of top-tier runners led by [autotag]Bijan Robinson[/autotag] of Texas.

Alongside [autotag]Roschon Johnson[/autotag], the Longhorns had one of the best one-two punches in the Big 12 and in FBS. We will likely see a different duo wearing the burnt orange in 2023 with Johnson and Robinson likely going to the NFL next season. Robinson is viewed as the No. 1 running back in the NFL draft and has first-round aspirations.

Kansas State and Texas Tech also had a formidable duo in the backfield this past season. With the regular season firmly behind us, Longhorns Wire breaks down the top 10 running backs in the conference based on their grades from PFF (subscription required).

Oklahoma Sooners at Texas Tech Red Raiders: Stream, injury report, broadcast info

Trying to figure out where to find the game on Saturday? Here’s how to watch, stream or listen to Oklahoma at Texas Tech. From @john9williams

Oklahoma (6-5, 3-5 Big 12) will face Texas Tech (6-5, 4-4) on Saturday night in Lubbock, and if you’re wondering how you can watch the action live, you’ve come to the right place.

Heading into last weekend, both the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Tech were still in search of the win to get them to bowl eligibility. For both teams, it’s been a roller coaster of a season with their first-year head coaches, though Oklahoma’s struggles have been more the surprise.

Joey McGuire has Texas Tech bowl eligible for the second-straight season. It’s the first time since 2012-2013 that the Red Raiders have gone to a bowl game in back-to-back seasons.

The big storyline facing the Red Raiders is the loss of Tyree Wilson for the season. Their star edge rusher was in the midst of a fantastic year with 61 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Texas Tech’s defense has had some issues in 2022, losing their best player creates a hole along the defensive front, particularly in the pass rush.

The Sooners are dealing with their own injury issues, as Andrew Raym will miss the remainder of the year after having surgery. Robert Congel has filled in admirably in his absence, but the interior offensive line will be something to watch.

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

  • Date: Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022
  • Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
  • TV Channel: FS1
  • Live Stream: fuboTV (watch here)
  • Listen: Streaming on the Varsity App

Oklahoma vs. Texas Tech injury report:

Oklahoma

[autotag]T.D. Roof[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Elbow)

[autotag]Shane Whitter[/autotag], LB: Out for season (Shoulder)

[autotag]Andrew Raym[/autotag], S: Out (Leg)

Daniel Parker Jr., TE: Out Indefinitely (Suspension)

Texas Tech

[autotag]Behren Morton[/autotag], QB: Questionable (Ankle)

[autotag]Derrick Lewis[/autotag], LB: Out Indefinitely (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Bryce Ramirez[/autotag], LB: Out Indefinitely (Leg)

[autotag]Bryce Robinson[/autotag], LB: Out Indefinitely (Leg)

[autotag]Cole Spencer[/autotag], OL: Out for Season (Knee)

[autotag]Mason Tharp[/autotag], TE: Questionable (Undisclosed)

[autotag]Tyree Wilson[/autotag], LB: Out for Season (Foot)

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Players to watch:

Oklahoma

[autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag], QB: 62% for 2,476 yards, 18 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. 39 carries, 336 yards, and 5 touchdowns.*

[autotag]Marvin Mims[/autotag] WR: 47 receptions for 844 yards and 4 touchdowns.

[autotag]Brayden Willis[/autotag], TE: 28 receptions for 382 yards and 5 touchdowns.

[autotag]Eric Gray[/autotag], RB: 165 carries for 1,113 yards, 10 touchdowns at 6.7 yards per carry. 28 receptions for 189 yards and 0 touchdowns.

[autotag]Jalil Farooq[/autotag], WR: 29 receptions for 287 yards and 3 touchdowns. 12 carries for 113 yards, 0 touchdowns at 9.4 yards per carry. 12 kickoff returns for 275 yards at 22.9 yards per return.

[autotag]Drake Stoops[/autotag], WR: 31 receptions for 311 yards and 3 touchdowns.

[autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag], LB: 100 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 4 passes defended.

[autotag]David Ugwoegbu[/autotag], LB: 8933 total tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.

[autotag]DaShaun White[/autotag], LB: 76 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 5 passes defended.

[autotag]Ethan Downs[/autotag], DE: 33 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 2 passes defended.

[autotag]Jalen Redmond[/autotag], DT: 20 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 3 passes defended.

Texas Tech

[autotag]Tyler Shough[/autotag], QB: 58% for 632 yards, 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions. 18 carries, 152 yards, and 2 rushing touchdowns.*

[autotag]Myles Price[/autotag], WR: 42 receptions for 424 yards and 2 touchdowns.

[autotag]Xavier White[/autotag], WR: 41 receptions for 557 yards and 3 touchdowns.

[autotag]Jerand Bradley[/autotag], WR: 35 receptions for 483 yards and 4 touchdowns.

[autotag]Tahj Brooks[/autotag], RB: 121575 carries for 575 yards, 7 touchdowns at 4.8 yards per carry.

[autotag]Sa’Roderick Thompson[/autotag], RB: 111 carries for 584 yards, 4 touchdowns at 5.3 yards per carry.

[autotag]Krishon Merriweather[/autotag], LB: 96 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.

[autotag]Kosi Eldridge[/autotag], LB: 68 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 interception.

Marquis Waters, S: 48 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 1 sack.

*Quarterback rushing numbers compiled from Pro Football Focus that doesn’t take away sack yardage from QB rushing totals.

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Looking Ahead: Longhorns face a winnable road game on Saturday

Looking at interesting stats from Texas and Texas Tech through three games.

Texas should beat Texas Tech on Saturday. If the Longhorns take the game seriously, it shouldn’t be close.

Last season, Texas defeated their conference rival, 70-35. Texas Tech has a new coaching staff, but the defensive personnel is similar enough to expect Texas could exploit some of the same issues.

The Red Raiders did lose Riko Jeffers and Colin Schooler, whose absence could leave a void for Bijan Robinson to gash. The two linebackers combined for 178 tackles last season.

A cursory view of Texas Tech’s season shows improvement from the Red Raiders, but not so much on the offensive side of the football. The Raiders put up 14 points on Saturday against NC State on the heels of 23 points in regulation against Houston.

Houston, though well regarded in preseason, has failed to live up to its billing this year. Last week they lost to Kansas, 48-30. The Red Raiders will need to elevate their offense this week to hang with the Longhorns.

Here’s a look at both teams by the numbers through three games.

3 Defensive Players to watch as Oklahoma takes on Texas Tech

The Sooners will take on Texas Tech in the last game before a much-needed bye week. Which 3 defenders will make an impact in Saturday’s game?

Some things are better solved with simplistic answers instead of trying to overcomplicate things. In the case of the current state of the Oklahoma Sooners defense, they simply need to get it done.

After a horrible showing for over half of the game in Lawrence, Kansas the Sooners found a way to make enough plays to get out of there with a win.

Now, they return home and face a Texas Tech offense that is far from a slouch and has some players that can make this game a headache for Oklahoma.

Texas Tech ranks second in the Big 12 behind Oklahoma in passing offense, and senior quarterback Henry Columbi has a big (literally) receiving weapon in 6-foot, 3-inch Eric Ezukanma, who will tower over the smaller OU defensive backs that Oklahoma is bound to send out there.

Senior Kaylon Geiger is their other main wide receiving threat and he has over 400 yards receiving to this point as well.

Their running game has guys like SaRodorick Thompson and Tahj Brooks, who both have over 300 yards and at least four touchdowns on the season.

Who are the three defensive players that can help out Oklahoma this week taking on this multi-faceted and talented Texas Tech offense? Take a look below.

Up Next: Redmond Returning

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Texas Tech will be without leading rusher Tahj Brooks for Texas game

Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks will not be available for the Texas matchup due to a leg injury.

Texas Tech will be without their leading rusher to open Big 12 play. Continue reading “Texas Tech will be without leading rusher Tahj Brooks for Texas game”

Five things to watch for in Texas’ Big 12 opener vs Texas Tech

Here are five things to watch for in Texas’ Big 12 opener against Texas Tech on Saturday.

The nonconference schedule had ups and downs for Texas. Games against Louisiana and Rice were thought to be surefire wins and turned out to be true. Arkansas, on the other hand, was a disaster from the get-go despite being nearly a touchdown favorite on the road.

Now, Steve Sarkisian can turn the page to conference play with a home game against Texas Tech. It will mark the second consecutive season the two schools will open up their Big 12 seasons against one another.

Texas Tech enters Darrel K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium undefeated with the most impressive win being over Houston. Saturday will mark their first true away game of the year, however.

We know the offense is going to be solid under Matt Wells, but the Red Raider defense has performed nicely three games in. Texas will have to prepare as they did against Louisiana and Rice to start conference play 1-0.

Here are five things to watch for in Texas’ Big 12 opener against Texas Tech on Saturday.

Report: Texas Tech running back arrested on Monday

It was reported on Monday that Texas Tech Red Raiders running back SaRodorick Thompson was arrested. He was booked under racing on highway.

The Texas Longhorns and the Texas Tech Red Raiders will kickoff their 70th matchup on Saturday. Texas finished off UTEP 59-3 while Tech survived a close on against Houston Baptist 35-33. The two will start off the 2020 Big 12 Conference schedule after closing out the 2019 campaign. Texas won that game 49-24 after falling down by two touchdowns early on.

For the Red Raiders, one of the their key offensive players is SaRodorick Thompson. The running back made a jump last season but came into the season as they guy. He was highlighted in the “Tale of the Tape” matchup that was published over the weekend. It is quite possible that he might not even suit up now against Texas now. KCBD Channel 11 in Lubbock is reporting that Thompson was arrested on Monday.

The charge in which he was arrested was for “racing on highway.” Thompson finished the game against HBU with 22 carries for 118 yards and two touchdowns in their win. It is unclear at this point on if Thompson will be available to play or if he will be held out for disciplinary actions. Should he be unable to go, Tahj Brooks and Chadarius Townsend will likely be the running backs to see most of the action against Texas.

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