ARLINGTON, TX — Texas Tech Running back Tahj Brooks has large shoes to fill headed into 2023. On Day 2 of the Big 12 Media Days on Thursday, July 13, Brooks discussed his new role in the offense moving forward and what the new running back room at Texas Tech will look like.
Texas Tech graduated one of its all-time great running backs, Sarodorick Thompson, a season ago. In his career, Thompson accumulated 2,664 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns off 540 carries. The running back also caught 91 receptions for 520 yards and a touchdown. Thompson finished third on the all-time Texas Tech list for rushing touchdowns. Now, it’s Tahj Brook's time to take over the running back room.
Brooks played a complementary role to Thompson to start his career at Texas Tech. Last season, Brooks overtook Thompson in carries for the first time. The Red Raiders might be used to relying on two quality running backs, but this season Brooks is in unfamiliar territory.
“There’s no pressure,” Brooks said at the Big 12 Media Days. “I’m just ready to go out there and compete. I am just ready to get out there against some of these teams and see what they are about.”
Now as the main bell cow, Brooks will have a lot on his shoulders this year. The senior enters 2023 with several solid performances in 2022. Last season, Brooks carried the rock 147 times for 691 yards and seven touchdowns. The dual-threat back also caught 26 passes for 164 yards and an additional touchdown.
Tahj Brooks feels the ability to be a dual-threat back is pivotal to Tech’s overall offensive scheme. One of the perennial high-powered offenses in the NCAA, runningbacks at Texas Tech must be able to catch the ball out of the backfield.
“I’m more than a one-dimensional type of guy,” Brooks said of his other offensive talents. “I can catch the ball out of the backfield. I can run great routes, line up in the slot, and get [the team] help in whichever area it needs. If a receiver goes down, I can help in that area.”
Later on in the team breakouts section of the Media Days, the Red Raiders’ Quarterback, Tyler Shough, had high praises for his running back. The interview began with Brooks jokingly jumping in and asking what Shough thought about him. “You know we are going to get TB the ball. He’s one of the leading factors behind our offense,” Shough said.
San Angelo LIVE!'s Ryan Chadwick (Left) Texas Tech QB Tyler Shough (Middle) Texas Tech RB Tahj Brooks (Right)
(San Angelo LIVE! Photo/Ryan Chadwick)
All jokes aside, since Head Coach Joey McGuire arrived at Texas Tech, the Red Raiders run that ball a considerable amount more than they did under Kliff Kingsbury or even Mike Leach. “He’s (Brooks) going to start the rock and open up some passes for us, Shough continued. “Him [stepping into] that expansive runningback role, you will see a lot of explosive plays from him.”
Now in need of another true No. 2 to compliment Brooks, Shough thinks that Cam’ron Valdez is that guy. “I think Cam Valdez is due for a really big year,” Shough said. “Cam has an explosive element to it. He’s really crafty in the hole.”
Texas Tech Red Raiders Tahj Brooks
(Credit: texastech.com)
The redshirt sophomore out of Rockdale, Texas, didn’t see the field as much as a freshman last year. He appeared in four games and accumulated 169 yards on 18 carries. However, the young man showed a spark when he played, as he averaged 9.8 yards per carry.
Texas Tech was picked to finish fourth this year in the Big 12’s Preseason Poll. Experts, alumni, and current students have high expectations for this Red Raider squad. If Brooks continues to perform the way he did a season ago, Texas Tech might make some real noise in the national headlines.
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