REPORTS: Three Texas Tech football players with something to prove in 2024

When the 2024 Texas Tech football season arrives, these three Red Raiders will have something to prove for different reasons.

Texas Tech Football: Embracing Change with New Starters in 2024

The 2024 Texas Tech football team is entering the season with a significant roster overhaul, replacing numerous starters and key contributors from last year. This shakeup presents both challenges and opportunities for the Red Raiders, as new and unproven players step into starting roles.

With up to 14 new starters expected when the season kicks off, the uncertainty around Joe McGuire’s squad is palpable. However, this influx of fresh talent could be a blessing in disguise. Last season’s team finished with a 7-6 record, suggesting that a change in personnel might be just what the Red Raiders need.

While the team will certainly miss stalwarts like safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson and defensive tackles Jaylon Hutchings and Tony Bradford Jr., the overhaul in other areas aims to strengthen the squad. Strategic changes on the offensive line and wide receiver corps were made to enhance the team’s performance.

Here are three Red Raiders poised to prove themselves this season:

OT Sterling Porcher

Sterling Porcher may not be a household name among Texas Tech fans yet, but he’s set to play a crucial role in 2024. The Middle Tennessee State transfer, projected to start at left tackle, has one year of eligibility remaining and needs to demonstrate that he can compete at the Big 12 level.

Porcher’s journey began in the JUCO ranks before spending two years at Middle Tennessee. The competition he faced there differs from what he will encounter in the Big 12. Last season, Monroe Mills, who has since transferred to Louisville, provided respectable but not elite left tackle play. Porcher is expected to not only fill Mills’ shoes but also elevate the performance at this critical position.

Despite the high expectations, Porcher’s lack of all-conference recognition at Middle Tennessee raises questions about his ability to excel in a major conference. If he rises to the challenge, it will significantly boost the Red Raiders’ offense. However, if he struggles, Texas Tech could face a major issue mid-season.

TE Jalin Conyers

Jalin Conyers, a Gruver, Texas native, also has one year of college football left. Unlike Porcher, Conyers has already proven his ability to compete at a major conference level. Now, he aims to establish himself as an NFL prospect.

Conyers, who transferred from Arizona State, has yet to post standout numbers, never exceeding 422 receiving yards or 38 receptions in a season. Part of this can be attributed to Arizona State’s instability at the quarterback position, with the Sun Devils cycling through four quarterbacks last year.

This season, Conyers and fellow tight end Mason Tharp will vie to prove their NFL readiness, potentially splitting snaps and production. Conyers might also be utilized in various roles, including as a “wildcat” quarterback, a position where he made notable plays at Arizona State. To attract NFL attention, Conyers doesn’t need Jace Amaro-level stats but must show versatility and effectiveness in traditional tight end roles.

DB Maurion Horn

Sophomore cornerback Maurion Horn faces the challenge of proving he’s ready for an increased role. After appearing in ten games as a primary backup last year, Horn now tops the post-spring depth chart at one of the cornerback positions.

Horn, a four-star signee from the class of 2022, chose Texas Tech over programs like Oklahoma, Nebraska, USC, Oregon, and Oklahoma State. He redshirted as a true freshman and mainly played on special teams last season, logging 96 snaps and recording four tackles.

Despite his limited experience, Horn impressed during spring practices. At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, he plays a physical style of football, capable of matching up with larger receivers. If Horn can solidify his starting spot and perform consistently, he could become a mainstay in the Red Raiders’ secondary.

As the season approaches, Texas Tech fans eagerly await to see how these players and others will seize their opportunities and contribute to the team’s success.