2006 Statistics

The strength of this passing game may be awing, but until more balance can be found within the offense, better defenses will be able to deal with its predictability and will continue to beat the Red Raiders. Coordinator Dana Holgorsen sees ex-co-coordinator Sonny Dykes now in Arizona, so this is a chance to instill new play-calling patterns to whittle down their usual pass-to-run ratio of three-to-one. But this seems like the furthest thing from reality after spring ball revealed a rift between junior all-conference back Shannon Woods, who was responsible for nearly 70% of the team’s carries, and coach Leach over Woods’ lax attitude in practice. Demoted to second string on the post-spring two-deep in an attempt to quell any dissension from spreading, expect to see plenty of Woods – the only non-QB with double-digit rushing attempts last year and the leading returning snarler with 75 catches - come September. Sophomore scat-type Kobey Lewis is slated for the start in a calculated, motivational move by Leach for his one-back sets, but things are definitely awry when what needs to be one of your (vocal) leaders resists efforts to be coached and thinks he deserves different treatment. All-Big 12 junior QB Graham Harrell is that needed vocal leader, and his arm, which is responsible for national placement amongst prep record-holders, has thrived in the “Air Raid” offense. What seem to be lost are the Ennis-native’s quick feet; with 4.7-speed in the 40, he should be able to keep defenses honest with some poignant, designed carries. Harrell’s reads, both before and after the snap, are the stuff NFL jobs require. Also acting as a team leader is senior and top returning receiver Danny Amendola, who looks like he could surface at any of the main three vacated slots with his smaller frame. Pflugerville brothers Grant (Y) and Todd (X) Walker are both experienced in this complex system, but, like we’ve similarly seen in recent campaigns, backups like local ex-QB Eric Morris and svelte speedster L.A. Reed will see plenty of balls come their way in TT’s oft-employed four- and five-receiver sets. Lyle Leong, who had a huge spring, is good enough on fade/fly routes to keep injured Todd Walker from seeing reps once he returns. Though 6’6 Adrian Reese’s lacks soft hands, all that means is he can stay home more as a needed sixth blocker (one of only two TEs listed on the roster). Soph starter Edward Britton (Z) has been pushed by the athleticism and sharpness of RS frosh Mike Crabtree all spring, so this corps looks ready despite its (almost annual) huge turnover. In a league where front line play is paramount, the loss of newly hired line coach Jack Bicknell after only a few months here poses a huge challenge - to find someone close to his caliber at such a poorly-timed juncture (no one has been installed yet as of this article). This doesn’t bode well since almost every major cog has now departed from last year’s senior-laden group. All-Big 12 guard Louis Vasquez is a great place to start, though, he and right tackle Rylan Reed are the only upperclassmen slated to start. Former JUCO-transfer Ofa Mohetau, now a senior guard listed as backup at both spots, helps with all of the new faces. The youth movement here, headlined by four-star tackle prospect Lonnie Edwards, will ostensibly pay dividends down the road, but probably not so much until later this season when the learning curve of the Big 12 South kicks in. For all of the talent on offense ready to pounce, if this line cannot (partially) gel during the non-con patsies, this offense will be relegated to predictably shorter passes with little help from the rushing attack.

Coordinator Lyle Setencich has his work cut out after nearly every member of the starting front seven vacated. On a team that struggled to an 86th ranking for run stopping, the turnover should actually help, but only (like on the other line) eventually. Jake Ratcliff is a great place to start – the 6’8 junior end led the team in forced fumbles (three), tied for third in sacks (3.5) and was fifth in passes broken up (four) on his way to all-conference honors. Budding soph Brandon Williams and experienced senior backup Tyler Yenzer are the only developed depth. Developments at tackle have athletic sophomore Rajon Henley as the most experienced with his 14 tackles and La Marque-native Richard Jones flanking him. Backup Brian Jones has the biggest stones amongst the two-deep here, but these three are all under 300 pounds, and that doesn’t bode well for clogging lanes against the conference’s quick 300+ OLmen. Senior LB Paul Williams bumps over to the middle spot, but his speed and size might be better suited for the outside in coverage with the size issues already in the middle up front. Senior SAM Kellen Tillman proved in ’06 he is back at full tilt after two seasons of knee injuries kept him sidelined (2003-04). Chad Hill may garner the start since seniority seems overriding in Setencich’s system, but soph Marlon Williams (no relation amongst any other Williams here) had a huge spring and will see many reps there once he proves his worth on game day. The corps may be light, but Victor Hunter brings size to the depth and the entire unit plays much bigger than their 220lb. (average) stature. The 32nd-ranked secondary has three upperclassmen returning as starters, making this the strength of the D. Four upperclassmen comprise the first two strings at safety. All-Big 12 selection Joe Garcia (strong safety) brings more oomph to run support, while junior ex-WR Darcel McBath at free safety led the team in INTs. Sophomore Jamar Wall has impressed enough as a backup to earn the start opposite senior Chris Parker on the outside. Depth at both corner and safety seems three-deep with possible starters, so nickel and dime packages should be strong and often seen. The rebuilding process has gone quickly, and team chemistry on this side on the game has already started for a Red Raider defense that should see marginal improvements across the board.