Texas Tech running back coach Garret McGuire isn’t shying away from the challenge of replacing Quinten Joyner, the redshirt-sophomore running back lost for the season with an ACL injury this week. While McGuire admitted the setback was tough for both the team and Joyner personally, he made it clear the Red Raiders are ready to […]
Texas Tech running back coach Garret McGuire isn’t shying away from the challenge of replacing Quinten Joyner, the redshirt-sophomore running back lost for the season with an ACL injury this week. While McGuire admitted the setback was tough for both the team and Joyner personally, he made it clear the Red Raiders are ready to move forward with confidence.
“Unfortunate we had that injury,” McGuire said. “We had really high expectations for Quinten, both the competitor he is and the player and person he has become both on and off the field. The good thing is we aren’t going to miss a beat.”
Sophomore Duo Has Already Shown What They Can Do
McGuire made a point to remind everyone of the already proven ability of sophomores Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams. A duo that burst onto the scene as true freshmen with 238 combined yards on 35 touches in the team’s bowl game against Arkansas in December with Tahj Brooks not playing ahead of the NFL Draft. If Tech had not gone out and gotten Joyner as a transfer from USC, that was the duo of the future and as it turns out that future is now.
“We aren’t going to bat an eye. No one is feeling sorry for us and we definitely don’t feel sorry for ourselves,” McGuire said emphatically. “It’s a great opportunity for Adam Hill and Mike Henderson as well to show what they can do.”
Cross training Henderson, a two-way star for Wylie East HS in Dallas-Fort Worth who had been working as a defensive back for Tech, was always something the team had considered since his arrival. The staff discussed it as recently as June, but depth issues elsewhere kept them from making the move. When Joyner went down it was a no-brainer and Tuesday marked the first time he had carried the ball since he was a 1,000 yard rusher for his high school last fall. He has impressed his position coach already.
“He has embraced it. Been really impressed with his knowledge and the traction he has gained. He’s a competitor, a football guy and those guys always win.”
Top Depth Chart Up For Competition Between Williams and Dickey
When asked about a depth chart and who would get the first snap in the team’s opening game next Saturday, McGuire kept things open-ended. He made it clear he wants players to earn the job and competition to stay high in practice just as he planned from the beginning with or without Joyner. He also made it clear Williams and Dickey are the leaders in that room.
“My plan was to have OR for 12 plus weeks,” McGuire explained in regards to how the depth chart will read. “I want those guys to earn it each week. I want to ride the hot hand when we can. There’s not two guys in the program I’d rather have your back than Cam and J’Koby.”
McGuire had high praise for both, noting that J’Koby Williams may be the “toughest guy on the team”, right alongside Behren Morton, despite his size.
“There is something about him when he’s on the field. There’s an energy, there’s an enthusiasm. Dont tell him he’s too small or he will hit you right in the mouth.”
He also went on to say Dickey might have had the best camp of anyone on the offensive side of the ball.
“There might not be a guy that’s had a better camp on offense than #8,” McGuire said. “He has come to work to put himself in position to have a lot of success this year.”
What To Expect With Game One Around the Corner
No matter the order of the depth chart on game day one thing was very clear. McGuire is not worried about the toughness or culture of this running back room. He expects exactly the same thing he expected when Joyner was healthy.
“They’re going to play with Red Raider speed and violence, they’re going to show courage and they are going to put this team first.”
Texas Tech and this running back room will have their first chance to do just that on August 30 at home in the season opener versus Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Kickoff is set for 6:30 PM CT and is currently set to stream on ESPN+
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Category: General Sports
