O-line keys Texas Tech’s chances against Sooners

By John Hillman  |   Sunday, November 16, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Texas Tech Red Raiders
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The biggest college football game in school history awaits Texas Tech. Everything – a conference title, an undefeated season, a Heisman Trophy and even a national championship – rides on the outcome of Saturday night’s contest between the second-ranked Red Raiders and No. 5 Oklahoma.

Both teams possess incredible quarterbacks and receivers who regularly generate scores in the 40s and 50s. Each squad also plays tough defense that prevents opponents from turning football games into track meets. But the key to Texas Tech’s (10-0, 6-0 Big XII) success against the Sooners (9-1, 5-1) comes from another source.

Although quarterback Graham Harrell and receiver Michael Crabtree grab most of the Red Raider headlines, they require protection to succeed. The performance of Texas Tech’s offensive line against the Oklahoma pass rush will determine whether coach Mike Leach and his team move on to greater heights or simply enjoy a productive season.

The quintet comprised of center Stephen Hamby (6-foot-3, 287 pounds), guards Brandon Carter (6-7, 354) and Louis Vasquez (6-6, 335), and tackles Rylan Reed (6-7, 314) and Marlon Winn (6-6, 325) barely let rushers lay a hand on Harrell. The unit, which gave up only 15 sacks last season, has allowed defenders to down its signal-caller just five times in 2008.

In addition to its outstanding pass protection, the group has also stepped up its run blocking. Last year, Texas Tech rushed for 737 yards, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. In 2008, the numbers have jumped to 1,326 with an average of 5.2.

Closeness defines this bunch of heavyweight hitters. They have popularized a T-shirt bearing their images as cartoon superheroes.

The front reads, “Some Think We’re Monsters.” On the back, it says, “You Can Just Call Us Heroes.”

Reed earned the nickname the Hulk by setting the Red Raider bench-press record last spring at 625 pounds. Because he wears a Mohawk and paints his face for each game, Carter has been dubbed Mankind after the wrestler.

Hamby’s resemblance to the animated character Mr. Incredible created his moniker, and Vasquez’s ethnicity gave him the name Super Hero Indian. Winn, because of his protruding stomach, goes by Fat Albert.

“The O-line, we just all have different characteristics and different personalities that all mesh just really, really well,” Reed said.

At age 27, Reed’s life reads like an heroic novel. After high school, he signed with the Chicago White Sox and spent four years in the club’s farm system as a pitcher.

In December 2003, doctors diagnosed him with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Reed underwent surgery, which removed three feet of his colon, and spent 3½ months in chemotherapy.

Arm problems eventually forced Reed out of baseball. He came to Texas Tech in 2005 as a walk-on tight end and worked his way into the starting lineup at left tackle last season.

A broken ankle suffered in the Gator Bowl forced to Reed to wear a protective boot until last May. But the tackle rehabbed over the summer and returned to his position stronger than ever.

Harrell appreciates having a veteran lineman shielding his blind side. And to defeat a hungry Sooner team anxious for another Big XII title, the Red Raider quarterback will need armor to the hilt.

“He’s a great player, and he’s huge for this team just through his elderly leadership,” Harrell said. “He protects my backside, and I’m glad he’s back.”






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About John Hillman

John Hillman graduated from Baylor University in 1974 with a BBA in accounting and earned an MBA from Baylor in 1987. He worked for accounting firms until 1982 when he became the chief financial officer for an independent insurance claims adjusting service, a position he still holds today. ...
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