Joey McGuire confirms Texas Tech is aiming for Tahj Brooks to break Byron Hanspard's all-time record

The big names of the Texas Tech Red Raiders football program were in Las Vegas recently for Big 12 Football Media Days. Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire was one of the marquee members of the program, front and center, discussing the program’s outlook in 2024.

Texas Tech is considered by some to be a dark horse in the race for the Big 12 title this season by some of the esteemed names in college football like ESPN’s Greg McElroy. One of the reasons the Red Raiders will be a potential threat for the conference crown is their running game, led by running back Tahj Brooks. While discussing his star running back and his role in 2024, McGuire revealed that they are aiming to help him etch his name in the Texas Tech football history books.

“He’ll be huge. I know you’ll see 1,168 yards, because 1,167 will tie the record and we want to break the record. (Byron) Hanspard’s my guy, man, absolutely love Hanspard, got to recruit and coach his son. But you’re gonna see a lot. It takes a lot off of you whenever you’ve got a guy who can run the ball like he can,” said McGuire.

Brooks was made the feature back for Texas Tech last season, starting in all 13 games. He would end the year with 1538 yards on 290 rushing attempts, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Should the senior running back continue that impressive trend this year, the Red Raiders could very well be in the running for a Big 12 title and a spot in this year’s College Football Playoff. And Brooks, we’ll finish the year as the Red Raiders all-time leader in rushing yards.

McElroy pegs Texas Tech to rebound in 2024

College football expert and host of the Always College Football Show, Greg McElroy, pinned Texas Tech as the team poised for a big comeback this year. According to the former Alabama quarterback, the Red Raiders have a lot to love about them offensively heading into 2024.

“Well, if we went to it last year, why don’t we just go back to it again? We were very high on the Texas Tech Red Raiders last year,” said McElroy. “And, unfortunately, Texas Tech kind of let us down a little bit… but there’s a lot of momentum actually this year, too.

“While they do have some expectations, they’re not nearly as lofty as they were a year ago… there is some optimism surrounding this team. The good news is Behren Morton is taking the reins at the quarterback spot, OK? If you look at the quarterback dynamic last year, it was Tyler Shough and Behren Morton. Shough has now transferred to Louisville, and Morton is the guy moving forward. So that will be beneficial… I’m optimistic about him being in the driver’s seat at that position.”