Recently, we attempted to predict the depth chart for the Texas Tech football program following spring practices. However, we were pleasantly surprised when head coach Joey McGuire released the actual depth chart just days later.
There are several notable aspects of the official depth chart that warrant analysis. Here are some key takeaways:
– Texas Tech has designated transfer wide receiver Josh Kelly to play inside receiver, which is an intriguing move considering his past performances primarily as an outside receiver at Washington State.
Despite his relatively modest stature at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Kelly has excelled on the perimeter throughout his college career, amassing impressive statistics. Last season alone, he recorded 61 receptions for 923 yards and 8 touchdowns.
It’s noteworthy that Kelly is competing for playing time with both senior Drae McCray and highly touted freshman Micah Hudson, who missed spring practices due to knee surgery. The presence of these explosive playmakers at one position suggests a strategic plan to capitalize on their athleticism, an aspect that was lacking for the team in 2023.
Coy Eakin, a 6-foot-2 sophomore from Stephenville, Texas, has been named the starter at the outside receiver position, a role many anticipated Josh Kelly would fill. Eakin has consistently impressed coaches with his performance in practice, although he has yet to fully showcase his talents in actual games.
While his statistics from last season—36 receptions for 416 yards and two touchdowns in ten games—are respectable, they haven’t been outstanding. However, Eakin concluded the season on a positive note with a standout performance in the Independence Bowl, where he recorded seven receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown.
His connection with starting quarterback Behren Morton, along with his reliability as a receiver, likely contributed to his placement atop the depth chart at the X wide receiver position.
