Two key secondary players are back in Lubbock

Joey McGuire’s first spring at Texas Tech is coming to a close. As the weather gets hotter, the expectations continue to rise for a new era of Red Raiders.

As the days until Week 1 dwindle down, let’s rank the best players on Texas Tech’s roster. Here are the Nos. 15-11:

Related: Nos. 15-11, Nos. 10-6, Nos. 5-1

No. 15: Trey Wolff / Senior / K

Trey Wolff’s 2020 campaign was hard to watch. After making just one of five field goal attempts, he was benched for newly signed Cowboys’ kicker Jonathan Garibay. But Wolff is still the same player that made 20-of-22 field goals and 40-of-41 PATs as a freshman. Nearly two years of dedicated practice time will show on the field this season.

No. 14: Adrian Frye / Super-Senior / DB

Super-senior’s in the secondary are always a welcomed sight. He’s intercepted just five passes the last three seasons combined after a monster five interception freshman campaign in 2018. But even when it doesn’t show in the stat sheet, Frye is still reliable and gives the Red Raiders some continuity on defense.

No. 13: Reggie Pearson / Senior / S

Reggie Pearson’s first season at Texas Tech was an absolute home run. Pearson finished the year with 54 tackles, three pass breakups and an interception. If he can add some consistency in pass coverage, Pearson could easily be one of the most impactful defenders on the roster next season.

No. 12: Xavier White / Senior / WR

The offensive possibilities are endless with White on the roster. The senior has totaled 746 rushing yards and 396 receiving yards in three seasons at Texas Tech. After playing primarily running back last season, it sounds like he’ll be moving back to the slot for this season. If that’s the case, opposing defenses better tackle White when he catches the ball.

No. 11: Donovan Smith / Sophomore / QB

The potential is incredibly high with Smith. He far exceeded expectations last season, when he threw for 1,181 yards, seven touchdowns and only two picks. There’s improvements to be made, specifically with his throw accuracy that showed in only a 61.2% completion rate last season. But Smith could play himself into the starting job if he puts it all together before August.

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