I wrote a little bit about the Texas Tech running backs room over the weekend and here we are less than a month from the season and I'm writing about them again. That's not crazy I guess, I do write about Texas Tech football nearly every day, but I'm unusually bullish about this group. It's a position that hasn't had a true star since DeAndre Washington and the team was lead in rushing by a quarterback in 2018.

The last time Texas Tech had a solid one-two punch at running back was back in 2017, the last time the team went to a bowl game, when Justin Stockton and Tre King combined for more than 1,400 yards.

If Cumbie's 'Air Raid' is what I think it will be, and the focus is play-action deep shots set up by an effective rushing attack, then get ready for the trio of Thompson, Townsend, and White to break 2,000 yards between the three of them. Maybe it's Tahj Brooks who sparks a game. Maybe new transfer Kyron Cumby from Illinois will be ready to go for a late-season push. I haven't even mentioned true freshman Cam'Ron Valdez who could also see a few carries come his way.

I digress, the running backs room is deep, and Chadarius Townsend is the x-factor secret weapon that was wasted in last year's offense coming off an offseason where he was dealing with the after-effects of COVID-19.

That was last year though, this year Townsend is being listed as a certified freak.

Seriously, Townsend was recently mentioned on Bruce Feldman's College Football Freak Athlete's List. Townsend came in at number 91 out of 101. The list has existed in some form or fashion since the early 2000s, but this monster list is thanks in part to the slim list afforded by COVID-19 last year. The list exists to, "Showcase guys who generate buzz inside their programs by displaying the rare physical abilities that wow even those who observe gifted athletes every day."

That's Townsend in a nutshell.

91. Chadarius Townsend, Texas Tech, running back

A top-150 recruit coming out of high school, he signed with Alabama, spending three seasons with the Tide before transferring to Lubbock. The former option quarterback has gained more than 20 pounds and is now 5-11, 225. Townsend benches 380 and power cleans 350 but despite his added bulk, he still has been able to hit 22.5 MPH on the GPS.

 The man is an animal and will enjoy a breakout season for Texas Tech this season behind an improved offensive line and a different scheme designed to get touches for specific players and skills.

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