Veteran Starter Suspended From the Start of Texas Tech Spring Practice
Texas Tech Football has started a new spring and seems to have a focus on excellence. In years past, the team has focused on getting better. But it seems the motto this year is more about taking that next step. The team even broke out to "Big 12 Champs" during practice, which is a huge goal for Kliff Kingsbury, who hasn't collected a winning record in the Big 12 in his first five seasons.
According to Don Williams at lubbockonline.com, returning offensive line starter Paul Stawarz has been suspended for the first four practices of the Spring Football slate. That means Stawarz won't practice until the team returns from spring break.
The suspension is the result of an "unspecified team rule violation." Kingsbury wouldn't elaborate on the situation.
The first day of spring practice was focused on effort and conditioning.
The Red Raiders practiced on Saturday and Sunday before taking a break on Monday. The final two practices before spring break come on Tuesday and Thursday. Through two practices, there aren't too many answers. But there are a ton of questions that the Texas Tech football team will try to answer.
The main question on the defensive side of the ball might have already been answered, with sophomore Joe Wallace who is looking to replace defensive tackle Mych Thomas.
"He did everything that was required of him," Kingsbury said. "It turned into a redshirt year for him. He got bigger, stronger, faster, handled his academics. So that's another guy we’re really excited to have out there."
On offense, there are many more questions, including all of the skill positions and depth along the offensive line. Quarterbacks Jett Duffey and McLane Carter will split the first team reps, and Tre King and prodigal son Deleon Ward are in the mix as RB1.
At the receiver positions, there's a youth movement as the Red Raiders are replacing two NFL caliber receivers in Dylan Cantrell and Keke Coutee.
Kevin Johns, the new offensive coordinator, has been excited to see all of his new talent and the older talent that is new to him. "Right now, we've only talked about effort," Johns said. "Once we get that taken care of, we'll move on."
Johns also talked about his growing pains learning and implementing a new offensive system. "I have a lot of growing to do. I'm still trying to learn the offense," Johns joked, adding: "Yesterday was my first day, too. We're all going to grow together."