Tech notes: Stephens nears record
Freshman running back Eric Stephens is on the verge of breaking the Texas Tech single-season record for kickoff return yardage.
Stephens
Stephens’ 502 yards is sixth behind Rodney Blackshear (621 in 1990), Ivory McCann (606 in 2001), Johnnie Mack (546 in 2003), Donny Anderson (541 in 1965) and Tyrone Thurman (535 in 1988).
Stephens raised eyebrows from preseason practice for his hard running style and ability to break tackles.
“What Eric brings that’s refreshing from a freshman is just a confidence,” special teams coach Eric Russell said Thursday. “Obviously, he’s not going to go down on the first hit. Everything hasn’t always been blocked perfectly for him, but he believes every time he gets it that he can make something happen.”
Going into Saturday’s home game against Kansas, Stephens’ kickoff return average is 26.4 yards.
Among Tech’s all-time top 10 in single-season kick return yards, Stephens’ average is third behind Lawrence Williams, who averaged 30.8 yards on 16 returns in 1972, and Ivory McCann, who averaged 27.5 on 22 returns in 2001.
Russell said Stephens’ balance, vision and low pad level are elements of his success but not the whole story.
“I just think he’s a guy that loves it when the ball’s in his hands,” Russell said. “He plays a million miles an hour when he has the ball in his hands. It’s a special trait he’s got. He’s not the most elusive guy, but great balance, (can) make a couple people miss, and then he’s got a chance.”
Ford, Dewhurst out
Safeties Will Ford (knee) and Brett Dewhurst figure to miss their second game in a row each. Neither practiced this week and neither was listed on the dress roster for Saturday’s game that Tech released Thursday.
That limits the options on the team’s five- and six-defensive back packages since Ford is the Red Raiders’ first-team nickel back. Dewhurst has played in both base and extra-DB packages this year and is a regular on special teams. Cornerback D.J. Johnson and safety Julius Howard took their spots last week in six-DB looks.
Defensive end Jonathan Brydon, who plays a lot on special teams, also is out. Brydon was on crutches this week.
Quarterback Steven Sheffield (foot) and offensive tackle Terry McDaniel (knee) also aren’t on the dress roster, stemming from injuries they suffered two weeks ago in the Nebraska game.
Tech does not release information on the nature and severity of injuries.
Compiled by Don Williams
More from this category
- Leach legal motion seeks expedited process
- Red Raider Report Card
- Tuberville says still no contact from Tech
- Williams: After distractions, game provides diversion
- Texas Tech Football Notebook
- MSU and TTU Stat Leaders
- Williams: Raiders should give serious thought to hiring McNeill as next head coach
- Tech notes: No line changes planned
More from this author
- Tech football prepares to take field for spring practice
- Tech moves football opener to a Sunday
- Osaghae takes third in hurdles at NCAA indoor championships
- Tech women’s relay, Lamb earn all-America honors at NCAA indoor
- Top five is Tech men’s goal at NCAA indoor meet
Subscribe to this author
Eric Stephens is my nephew and he is doing GREAT. This is what he has dreamed of and as long as he keeps God first hes going to make it all the way. I love you Eric and may God bless you
Report this comment
Congratulations Eric!
Tech fans appreciate your efforts & sacrifices.
Report this comment
Glad Eric’s on the team Chandra. We enjoy watching him play!
Report this comment
He is a very exciting runner to watch. I hope to see many long runs and catch and burn with eric.
Wreck’em Eric
Wrech’em Tech
Report this comment
Congratulations, Eric! You are fun to watch. I do note in the article what must be a typo. I seriously doubt that Ivory McCann returned 222 kicks in 2001. Our defense may have been questionable, but I do not recall giving up that many points in one year!
Report this comment
My congrats to Eric also. He has made quite an impression in his first year.
I know the coaches of any team know what is best for their team, but I have not understood why Eric has not been used in the short-yardage situations. I like Leach’s style of going for it on 4th down, but I do not get why someone with Eric’s running style, strength, and low center-of-gravity is not used. Then again, I’m not the coach. Kurious in Kerrville.
Report this comment
I hope Tech’s kickoff return yards go way down. I don’t want other teams kicking to Tech as much as they are, cause if they kick, then it is probably because they just scored on Tech. A good defense will mean less returns and a poor defense means more kick return opportunities.
Don’t get carried away with excitement. I think Stephens is a great returner, though. Dyn-O-mite!
Report this comment
I watched Eric’s recruitment and was relieved when he kept his commitment and signed with Tech. I’m very glad to see he’s making an impact already. His future is bright. Tech’s future is bright.
Wreck ‘em!
Report this comment
I am very happy for Eric, any one who has success and credits it to Christ is special in my eyes. Thank you, Chandra.
At the same time, does it mean, when Eric gets lots of total yards for kick offs, that we are getting lots of kick offs in addition to his special ability as a football player ? (Thank you debbie downer )
Report this comment