Texas Tech Has A Quarterback Wild Card Defenses Can’t Ignore
· Yahoo Sports
Texas Tech doesn’t have a quarterback controversy, but it may have something more useful.
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With Will Hammond firmly established as the Red Raiders’ starter, fifth-year quarterback Tommy Castellanos is carving out a specialized role that gives Joey McGuire another way to stress defenses heading into Saturday’s matchup with Sam Houston.
MORE: How to Watch Texas Tech vs. Sam Houston: Red Raiders Hope to Remain Perfect
Castellanos arrived in Lubbock late in preseason camp after stops at UCF, Boston College and Florida State. He brought significant experience with him, having thrown for 6,449 career yards and 48 touchdowns while rushing for 1,984 yards and 24 scores before joining Texas Tech.
He has since pushed his career rushing total past 2,000 yards. That dual-threat ability is exactly why Tech brought him in.
“With Tommy, we have an experienced quarterback who we believe can come in and help us win games, if needed,” McGuire said when Castellanos joined the program. “His athleticism is also a great trait and will let us continue to expand our offense.”
The role became much more visible against Houston.
Castellanos took the first snap of the game, threw an interception early, then later returned to score on a 3-yard touchdown run in Texas Tech’s 28-26 win. Hammond handled the bulk of the offense, completing 17 of 27 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown.
Afterward, McGuire eliminated any uncertainty.
“Will Hammond is our starting quarterback,” he said. “We have packages for Tommy, and those packages will continue to grow.”
That last part is what makes Castellanos intriguing to me.
Texas Tech doesn’t need him to replace Hammond. It can use him as a changeup ... especially in short-yardage, red-zone or option situations where his legs force defenses to account for another runner.
Sam Houston could provide the perfect opportunity to expand those packages.
MORE: Will Hammond Faces Growing Questions Despite Texas Tech’s Perfect Start
With Tech favored heavily at home, McGuire may have room to experiment without disrupting Hammond’s rhythm.
The quarterback hierarchy is clear. What isn’t clear is just how large Castellanos’ role could eventually become.