Where I Come From: My All-Time Favorite Texas Tech Players
by Seth C on Jul 8, 2010 9:00 AM CDT
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PrintThis is the fourth of a week-long series of posts sponsored by EA Sports NCAA Football 2011. Prior Posts:
This list will begin and end with just one player.
The college football landscape is littered with players that do good things. There are human interest stories each and every year about how players are changing their community and volunteering their time. I won't say that it's easy to be a football player, but maybe it's safe to say that it's easy to be a football player that doesn't give any of their time to the community. Imagine if you will, a player that not only gives their time to the football program, gives the appropriate amount of time to their studies and then gives back to their community. That's not easy.
The story of running back Baron Batch isn't typical. Batch was a relatively highly-rated running back coming out of Midland. Aside from being a talented football player, Batch was athletically gifted, running a 10.69 100-meter dash as a senior in high school. To say that Batch was talented would be an understatement. Batch arrives at Texas Tech as many high school football players arrive at their respective universities. Full of confidence and willing and wanting to experience all that college has to offer.
Two summers ago, LAJ's Don Williams profiled Batch and his journey at Texas Tech. Batch was honest about the person he was when he arrived in Lubbock:
"Especially my first year up here," the Texas Tech running back said. "First one in the club, last one to leave. Tried to be a player (socially). Tried to have as many girls … Tried it all, and found no satisfaction in any of that.
But success didn't necessarily follow Batch. In a span of two years, Batch had seven ankle surgeries in eight short months, and a staph infection that made Batch think about whether he was on the right path:
Instead, Batch thinks a broken ankle and a staph infection that dug into the bone might have been the best thing to happen to him. It at least made him miserable enough to listen to former teammates Keyunta Dawson, a minister’s son, and Manny Ramirez, a minister’s son-in-law."I was up in the hospital, I think after my sixth or seventh surgery, and I was (thinking), I need a change. I need some help.’ And those two came and prayed for me," Batch said. "They were like, You need to come to Bible study. Start coming to church.’ And I thought, it’s not going to hurt. That’s where it started. Those two planted that seed. God has been faithful to water it, and it’s just grown, and he’s blessed me abundantly."
My choice for Batch being one of my all-time favorite players isn't necessitated on his belief in one particular faith over another. It's the fact that Batch made a positive change in his life, when it would have been very easy not to make any change at all. Former Texas Tech running backs coach Seth Littrell had this to say about the type of person that Batch had become:
"I can’t say I faced adversity like Baron," he said. "I don’t think a lot of people have. With what he’s gone through – not only in college, but growing up – he’s had some adversity to overcome. He has the determination and drive to understand what he wants in life and go get it, and he’s going to be successful because of that."
But the thing is that Batch's story didn't stop in 2008 when that story was published. I've linked and highlighted Batch's personal blog before and to say that he's a talented individual would be the second understatement about Batch. He has an eye for taking wonderful photographs. Of course there's nothing wrong with football players taking mission trips to help those people that need help, but it's another thing to not get a lick of media exposure.
And all of this is to say that in addition to making a positive change in his life, he's also a pretty good football player and has the respect of his teammates. Last year, his teammates were polled and almost three-fourths of them chose Batch as the team's toughest player:
Safety Brett Dewhurst said Batch is the first player he’d pick for a pickup game. Offensive linemen Joe King and Chris Olson said when they get tired, on the field or in the weight room, the guy picking them up is likely to be the 205-pound junior running back from Midland. Center Justin Keown called him an "all-around tough (expletive).""He’s hungry for the ball and doesn’t mind contact," Keown said. "He likes running over people. He wants to get hit. He loves practicing. When he gets hurt, he’s out there the next day, wanting to be practicing."
The Jackson 5 and Baron Batch highlights? Sign me up!
I have a pretty good feeling that Batch will be spending his Sundays playing football, but I also have a pretty good feeling that if that dream never worked out, he'd be just fine.
And my thought that Batch is one of my all-time favorite players isn't to say that Batch is infallible. I'm sure that he would be the first to admit that he isn't perfect and although I've never talked to Batch, I'd guess that he might be a little uncomfortable being the singular person on this list. Perhaps that's what drives home the point even more, it's that Batch is humble in the best possible way and in collegiate sports-world where it's all about style over substance, Batch is the antithesis of that.
There are a ton of incredible players who I have cheered for more (this is just a handful): Graham Harrell, Michael Crabtree, Rylan Reed, Wes Welker, Zach Thomas, Robert Johnson, etc. They and so many others have contributed greatly to Texas Tech's football history including Dave Parks, Donny Anderson and E.J. Holub.
I've told you about my all-time favorite Red Raider, what about you? Who's your all-time favorite player and why?
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Guys like Baron Batch
Are the reason we watch sports, spend our hard earned money on following our favorite team, etc.
by 2001Raider on Jul 8, 2010 9:32 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Graham Harrell
For me Graham was the key for the recent success of Tech. Mike Leach took this kid and molded him into the absolute best passing machine in college football. Graham was not only super intelligent but crazy accurate by his senior season. Harrell also had a leadership quality that always made you feel like we were in the game no matter what the score may have been. He was definately the come back kid. I’ve been following Tech for decades now and there has been some excellent talent on the field but if I had to name one player that I thought of as my favorite all time red raider it’s Harrell. I really hope he gets to show the NFL his true talents as a QB. Go Packers!
"You've got to find your inner pirate" - Mike Leach
Great player but not worthy of place atop the list
I absolutely grant you the right to your opinion and Graham was/is a great player. I also loved to watch him lead the Raiders to victory. However, I cringed every time he ran into the end zone to celebrate with the receiving component of his perfect spirals – for fear that he would do something that embarrassed Tech. Most often, it was a joyous, high flying chest bump but sometimes it was much more (or measured by amount of class exhibited, much less). No player that scores a touchdown and then flips off the fans in the stands (question as to whether it was our own fans or A&M’s is irrelevant). It showed a lack of class and was an embarrassment to Tech. In my opinion, to be the favorite player of all time at Tech encompasses much more than number of yards, completions, touchdowns, or tackles. The intangibles speak volumes, as far as I’m concerned. My example is but one indiscretion by a young kid. However, there have been thousands of Tech players over the years and the honor of landing at the top of the list (even if it’s just my list or your list and nobody else cares) employs a standard above which most players cannot achieve – which is exactly the point.
That’s why my favorite of all time is Zach Thomas (because I was a student at the time and for the reasons stated elsewhere in these comments). After seeing Batch’s blog entry following his mission trip (linked on DTN), he’s a close second and certainly my favorite current player.
by AmarilloTechster on Jul 8, 2010 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Chest Bumps
Not to mention those twisted ankels that seem to occur post chest bump, never a good idea
I have always struggled with Harrell. He was a great talent and fierce competitor when operating between the sidelines, and I understand that he showed up for every Sunday morning service no matter what time the team plan landed and contributed significant time to a church youth group. However, those positive attributes don’t offset the sideline antics that I vividly recall. I witnessed him storming off the field, throwing his helmet to the ground, and screaming at anyone who crossed his path (even Ruffin on a couple of occasions). I am of the traditional school of thought that teaches a player to always be respectful of the coach, treat the helmet like your life depends on it, keep the whining off the football field. I do not accept “desire to win” as an excuse for poor personal behavior.
by CRV on Jul 8, 2010 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions
I’m with you…Harrell was likely the best of the bunch of QBs, but he was by far my least favorite. He reminded me too much of Phillip Rivers type. A touch too arrogant, a touch too quick to point fingers, a touch too combative with his peers, and not what I’d like to see out of a leader.
But what rubbed me the wrong way the most was that he was a soccer player in pads. Every time he got hit or fell down or got knocked down, he turned around and whined to the ref. A few times he was clearly justified, but more often than not he wasn’t.
He was a great talent and did a lot for the university, but I wasn’t at all sad when his eligibility expired.
+1
Gagreed.
"Life is short, tell me how you really feel"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jul 8, 2010 8:29 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
All that said...
I wish him great success with Green Bay and I’ll be rooting for him to get some PT and shine in the NFL (for him personally and to debunk the ‘system quarterback’ label that he and all other Tech QBs carry).
I shudder to think that there might be people out there still holding a grudge against me for some of the stupid things I did between the ages of 18-23! – Because of those stupid things, I’ll voluntarily withdraw my name from consideration on any of you guy’s lists… Fair is fair.
by AmarilloTechster on Jul 8, 2010 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions
He had drive, and knew he could win.
He was also kind of immature and lacking in the humility department. Those things are a big part of the reason why he was able to lead the team so well in comebacks, last second victories and great play in the clutch, as well as inexplicably dumb plays and boneheaded mistakes.
I remember when he flipped off the fans, and it didn’t bother me so much in the moment. I was sad when his eligibility retired because it’s pretty rare to get that kind of competitor.
not so fast
kingsbury, and bj symmons were the classless qbs we had. There egos were through the roof! you dont like harrells atics after a touchdowm, what about kingsbury having his longhorn upside down when we beat texas in 2002, or when bj symons (during the 2003 houston bowl) after a touchdown all of the recievers made a circle around him, he threw the ball straight up in the air as it were a bomb and the recievers all fell down when the ball hit the turf
In my eyes, there is a difference between a lack of class and acting like a prima donna. I don’t feel that a “longhorns down” hand gesture or an end zone celebration say nearly as much as a middle finger, discarded helmet, or stomping fit.
All Harrell's "tirades" ever showed me
was his level of passion about playing football at Texas Tech. He might have been whiny at times, he might have kicked his helmet, he might have flipped the crowd off, and he might have celebrated a TD or two, but he was just doing what just about every other student in attendance at the game would have done too. It’s not so much about being classless as it is about being a 21 year old, and not handling adversity well.
I find it funny how no one here really expressed much negativity about Leach’s post game “tirades”, but want to crucify Harrell for what he did. I will say this though, the whole Houston Bowl celebration I would say was 100% classless. You don’t do shit like that, when your country’s at war, especially when you’re playing a military team.
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 9, 2010 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions
There have been LOTS of guys
I absolutely loved. All the way back to my school days.
Tyrone “the Smurf” Thurman (my school days)
Tracy Saul (ditto)
Bam Morris
Ricky Williams
Duane Slay
Taurean Henderson
BJ Symons
Wes Welker (jersey)
Danny Amendola
Crabtree (of course)
and the guy above all others
Graham Harrell (I will be buying my GHarrell Packers Jersey soon)
I even told my wife about the possibility of naming our first child Harrell ;)
The Lyle Leong Bandwagon will Continue to Roll!!!
Arriba sus Pistolas, Muchachos!
by Tortilla Pirate on Jul 8, 2010 10:01 AM CDT reply actions
Harrell held the team together
Looking back at the team chaos in 2009, I’m convinced that Graham ( son of a coaching legend) held the team together in 2008. To me, it’s evident that Leach was was indeed an eclectic pirate captain (should we say tyrant?), and Graham was the adult protecting the kids.
by 2468KoolAid on Jul 13, 2010 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Zach Thomas
It was said a few days ago, but there’s nothing like your own personal college years. To me, Zach embodies everything that I love about Texas Tech University. Yes he’s undersized, and maybe (and I do mean maybe because to me he was fast) he wasn’t the fastest, but in life and in the defensive backfield, size doesn’t matter if you have heart. I believe Zach was one of the greatest NFL linebackers of this era and I love his combination of tough, smart, and heart. He’s a true West Texas guy and is loyal to Tech to this day. I actually used to play basketball with him at the rec center (though he wouldn’t know me from Adam) and I can tell you A.) There’s know way he’s over 5’11", and B.) He will break your ankles he’s so quick to change direction, and C.) I saw first hand his vision on the court (which is why he was such a bad ace on the gridiron) and leadership qualities right then and there seeing him play point guard in full court basketball. D.) He would take the time to talk with a fellow and be really nice to us when there was absolutely nothing I could have done for him. In my experience here in DFW, you’ll find that there are other “big time” lawyers and business people who won’t give you the time of day unless they think you can help them in some way and my Dad always told me to treat everyone the way you would want to be treated and talk with them and give them the time of day even if you don’t think you have time to. Well, Zach Thomas did that and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have representing Tech/me than he.
Give 'Em Hell Tech!!!!!
Agreed
Zach would be number one on my list if for nothing more than initiating Tech’s dominance of A&M (I’ll always remember being 9 years old and yelling “go back to Aggieland” after that INT…waiting for BeerGut’s usual 52-30 shtick). Two time SWC DPotY and consensus All-American, AFC DRotY (after being selected in the 5 round), 7 Pro-Bowl and All Pro selections, averaged just over 9 total tackles a game for his career, and all of this happened while being significantly under sized for his position. Can you imagine if he had Urlacher or Lewis’ size (granted, part of the reason he was so great was due to being undersized so he had to out smart and out quick the opposition to win)?
With that said, there’s so much to like about this guy that has nothing to do with football (as you’ve stated).
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 8, 2010 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
My only dig against Crabtree is that he left early.
I totally understand it but for me it’s hard to pick someone who was only there for 2 years as my “favorite ever”.
It's not like his dad is a CEO
He had a chance to be fiancially secure for life. I can’t hold that against a kid. Some of us are talented in different areas. My niece is a ballerina in school at TCU, nobody pays to see her perform the Nutcracker Suite. I hope Crabs does like Emmit Smith and finish his degree, but he had accomplished all he could on the college level, all he could have done last year would be risk $100 million legs.
Come to think of it, Matthew Stafford left UGA after his third year, and he’s from Highland Park.
Give 'Em Hell Tech!!!!!
by Plano Jeff on Jul 8, 2010 10:47 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I love Batch also
and I think he’s gonna have a GREAT YEAR….BUT
I think Harrison Jeffers will have such a year I think I will get ahead of the crowd and start the Harrison Jeffers Bandwagon now!
The Harrison Jeffers Bandwagon will Commence to Roll!
has nice ring to it, no?
The Lyle Leong Bandwagon will Continue to Roll!!!
Arriba sus Pistolas, Muchachos!
by Tortilla Pirate on Jul 8, 2010 10:04 AM CDT reply actions
no
but soon might join my list
The Lyle Leong Bandwagon will Continue to Roll!!!
Arriba sus Pistolas, Muchachos!
by Tortilla Pirate on Jul 8, 2010 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions
Not a bad call
"Life is short, tell me how you really feel"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jul 8, 2010 10:34 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Wow very hard but.....
Old School: DONNY ANDERSON 1970’s: Only 1- Rodney Allison!!!! 1980’s: Ron Reaves 1990’s: ZACH 2000’s: Henderson/Symons/Harrell/Crabtree/Batch!!!! I sure missed many more!!!!! Wreck’Em Tech
Hard to single someone out but..
Zach Thomas has to be a choice. D line Señor: Sack Gabe Rivera . Special Teamer Maury Buford. That’s just a tough nut every era has its players.
"do routine things routinely"
Maury Buford
Owns a commercial and residential roofing company here in DFW. He has a commercial on 910 AM Catholic radio. “I’m Maury Buford of the Superbowl Champion Chicago Bears and a member of St. Ann’s Parrish in Coppell…..”
Give 'Em Hell Tech!!!!!
by Plano Jeff on Jul 8, 2010 9:42 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
BJ Symons
I agree with all of you on one level or another but specifically BJ Symons was one of my all time favorites. He was such a gamer and played through a knee injury that would have put most of us out of commission. He was reckless at times but he never hesitated to swing his sword.
"I like to think of myself as a one man wolfpack."
Rylan Reed
I have a soft spot for O Linemen and ofcourse I want to shine the light that way. Reed shut out guys that were super hyped draft picks (Chris Long , Brian Orakbo) both high first rounders I believe, and he shut them down, protected Harrell and opend great running lanes. Without him we dont win those games.
He was super stong, stronger than Manny and Manny had the high bench press at the 09 Combine. Why Reed wasnt there ? I dont know. That all goes without mentioning the MLB pitching career, and the physical transformation from pitcher to OT, the cancer etc. If he would not have injured his kneecap during pro day, we would have another solid Olineman in the NFL.
Honorable Mention – Johnny Mack: the guy never ran out of bounds, he hit like a linebacker and Leach always took him out in the Red Zone to pad Tauren’s TD stats.
No to mention
Reed had a great story behind him (cancer survivor).
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 8, 2010 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Reed was at the combine for a couple of reasons
1) his age, he played minor league baseball first
2) He dislocated his knee at our pro day
Kliff Kingsbury and BJ Symonds
I loved watching those two direct the Air Raid. Honestly Graham Harrell gave me fits his entire career with some of the in play decisions he would make. There is no arguing with the success of the team in his 3 years and especially during his senior season. But audibling into a QB sneak on 4th and 6 in Ole Miss territory? In the last game of his college career? We were only down a touchdown at the time. 3 or 4 plays later it was 14. We never came back from that.
BJ was tough as nails & loved to play the game. He reminded me a bit of Major Applewhite (one of my favorite college QB’s of all time). KK was money in the bank under center.
"I can't believe I finally decide to let a girl into my life and she tries to eat me" - Zombieland
Another reason for Batch
He’s not afraid to hold others accountable or speak his mind.
by theta12 on Jul 8, 2010 11:51 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
love it. love it. love it!
“If you’re going to represent Tech football, do it in a good way.” Awesome
IMWTx
"We thought we were too good to play Texas Effin' A&M" -Leach et al
by imisswesttexas on Jul 8, 2010 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Ouch!
The Lyle Leong Bandwagon will Continue to Roll!!!
Arriba sus Pistolas, Muchachos!
by Tortilla Pirate on Jul 8, 2010 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions
This guy is the real deal. . .
check out his blog: www.baronbatch.blogspot.com
Most definately my favorite player of all time.
Awesome
what a great display of leadership. I loved BJ Symons and ZT for this spot, but Batch might have just won me over.
by East Redraider on Jul 9, 2010 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions
E.J. Holub
He set the bar high enough I don’t think many others can come close to touching, much less breaking. Always played at top speed whether on “O” or “D”, and no one—-NO ONE—- can do that both ways like he could.
TTpilk Psalm 117:
1 ¶ O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
Kingsbury....
Made the transition from spike to mike look easy. I knew we had something special during his tenure. He will end up being one he’ll of a coach.
Welker and zack go without saying. Randomly, Johnny Mack and Trey haverty are up there for me. Lynnwood is the best story.
"Life is short, tell me how you really feel"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jul 8, 2010 12:32 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
The last Spike game was my last as well, (Dec 99 Graduate). We split at half or early third, while shooting pool at Crickets we casually watched a great comeback against I think it was Oklahoma. Turned out that comback was led by Kliff himself !
I was at the game...
KK was the real deal
"Life is short, tell me how you really feel"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jul 8, 2010 8:30 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Kingsbury??? and you were complaining about harrells additude, demeanor etc
kingsbury, and bj symmons were the classless qbs we had. There egos were through the roof! you dont like harrells atics after a touchdowm, what about kingsbury having his longhorn upside down when we beat texas in 2002, or when bj symons (during the 2003 houston bowl) after a touchdown all of the recievers made a circle around him, he threw the ball straight up in the air as it were a bomb and the recievers all fell down when the ball hit the turf
It's Deja Vu all Over Again
I never tire of quoting Yogi Berra.
"I can't believe I finally decide to let a girl into my life and she tries to eat me" - Zombieland
“It’s Deja Vu all Over Again” is quoting Yogi Berra.
I think he’s saying it, because you posted the same thing earlier in this topinc.
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 9, 2010 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Welker
Hands down one of the best smallreceivers in college and NFL history. Could take over games. And the most exciting punt returner of all time. Crowd chanting his name on punts was electric. Even the band started playing cadence to the chants. A pro bowl hero that belongs in canton.
by logan5555 on Jul 8, 2010 12:49 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
HOF
Hands down NFL HOF ! He transformed or re-invented the position, notice how more and more teams are adding those Welker type inside rec guys.
Punt Returner
Definitely had to be Tyrone Thurman. I saw him juke to cover men so bad, they both ended up on their arsses.
"A closed mouth gathers no foot"
Here’s a blast from the past and relatively obscure…my favorite was Merv Skurlark. He was a defensive back in the mid and late 80s. We got to be fairly good friends during our time together at Tech. He tried out for the Colts, got hurt, and went on to other things in life. He was a great guy, humble and knew he wasn’t God’s gift to the world. Nickname was the Hammer and was the pre-Dwyane Slay.
Also was a big Carl Carter fan, also a DB.
But since then, I have been a big fan of Sonny Cumbie and BJ Symmons. Tough SOBs…
Merv was awsome
Tough player. Super guy off the field and nice as they come.
IMWTx
"We thought we were too good to play Texas Effin' A&M" -Leach et al
by imisswesttexas on Jul 8, 2010 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions
should say Merv IS awesome. I'm sure he's still the same guy he's always been.
IMWTx
"We thought we were too good to play Texas Effin' A&M" -Leach et al
by imisswesttexas on Jul 8, 2010 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions
don't forget
about “Schoolie Baby” Calvin Riggs. All-American DE. Great character, lots of fun.
IMWTx
"We thought we were too good to play Texas Effin' A&M" -Leach et al
by imisswesttexas on Jul 8, 2010 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions
C Riggs
Funny dude….
"Life is short, tell me how you really feel"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jul 8, 2010 8:32 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Always asked for a derby during derby days...
He got one
"Life is short, tell me how you really feel"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jul 8, 2010 8:34 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
And Brad Hastings would knock people's heads off too!
IMWTx
"We thought we were too good to play Texas Effin' A&M" -Leach et al
by imisswesttexas on Jul 8, 2010 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions
"Favorite" does not = "Greatest"
Seth, I agree with you 100%: Batch is my favorite for all the reasons you gave (with Rylan Reed a close second)! If we were listing the “greatest football players” the list would be a lot longer, but my favotites are these two.
More tounge in cheek than anything, but...
I think one could make a case for Matt Williams. Everyone here knows the story, but for a school that lives for the underdog, Lynnwood is the ultimate underdog. Not going to say he is my favorite because A) he’s a kicker and B) he’s a kicker, but his story has to be one of my favorite sports stories of all time
In the real world, I would put Batch up there with Brian Duncan with “great guy, great player” favorite list, but if favorite means most exciting, it goes to Crabs
The chicken is involved but the pig is committed
Williams
I love that our 12th man acutally makes a weekly contribution and fills a real need on the squad. That aggie lore is all bs the kid didnt even get into the game!
Full disclosure, I live in Midland and both my kids are going go to Midland High so picking Batch is probably not a big surprise. Baron’s a great story and it’s just hard to root against someone that works hard and refuses to quit. I would love to seem he him have a career game against UT while it is broadcast nationally. It goes without saying that Batch is also one the high character folks we have representing our school.
"Well I’m glad you picked us last, we put that on the bulletin board and maybe we can circle around that" - Neal Brown, Offensive Coordinator
It's official, I can't choose one player...
Having a tough time even narrowing down my list. So here you go. No particular order…
Brad Hastings; Calvin Riggs; Merv Scurlock; Mo Evans; Mike McBride; Jeff Keith; James Gray; Tyron Thurman; Dwayne Slay; Joe Garcia; Zach Thomas; Tracy Saul; Wes Welker; Rodney Blackshear; Billy Joe; Kingsbury; Anthony Lynn; Harrell; Crab; Whitlock; Hanspard; Baron Batch….
Told you. Loved watching the mid-80’s guys growing up. Too many to name. Would probably have a shorter list if it was guys I didn’t like…
IMWTx
"We thought we were too good to play Texas Effin' A&M" -Leach et al
lets not forget
Manny Ramirez, Louie Vazquez, Brandon Carter, and yes all the other great O Linemen to come thru our program
The Lyle Leong Bandwagon will Continue to Roll!!!
Arriba sus Pistolas, Muchachos!
by Tortilla Pirate on Jul 8, 2010 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions
My fav ? Senor Sack
no question…can’t say a bazillion words why, first time I saw him play DT, I was amazed….Gabe Rivera !!!
women should put pictures of missing husbands on beer cans
Gabe Rivera crashed a fraternity party of ours once
Nobody argued. That was a big, big man.
"I can't believe I finally decide to let a girl into my life and she tries to eat me" - Zombieland
Gabriel was amazing.....
Saw him play once. He seemed to be in the backfield every stinking play.
I’m with ya Danno, James Gray, Tyrone Thurman, Zach Thomas (because of the aggie game), and Billy Joe.
Maybe even James Hadnot………….
I’m old school with you. How about Bubba Jennings? Man if the three point line was only there, wow!!
"A closed mouth gathers no foot"
i will proably catch flak for this but
Michael Crabtree. Holy cow he was good!!! I really think we didnt know what kind of show we were in for in 2007. o_0! He was SOOOOO beastly, he smashed the other teams secondaries. There have been some REALLY good football players to come through at Tech, but Crabs is on another level in my book. The Catch is all i really need to say. When you have that one seminal moment in a game, you will go down in college football history and will always be remeberbed. I was bouncing off the walls with joy at my house when he broke free and scored that TD. I still get chills when i watch that play. If i can get that kind of emotion from that one play, then your something special. I hope we get more guys like that at Tech.
What do you call a Serbian with an insatiable desire for sweets with only one nad (in his throat)?
CHOCOHOLICINADINHISNECKDARKOINSKIVICHSKI
I'd agree with you
If we disregard the personal attributes and base it solely on performance on saturdays, Crabtree easily wins as the most talented football player to ever own the Jones and my favorite to watch
The chicken is involved but the pig is committed
by maddraven1716 on Jul 8, 2010 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Prolly has something to do with a trunk full of Alcapulco Gold, Maui Wowi, Mexican Ditchweed, Chronic, Mary Jane, Blount, reeeefer, …….
Give 'Em Hell Tech!!!!!
by Plano Jeff on Jul 8, 2010 10:32 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Glaucoma medicine?
"Life is short, tell me how you really feel"- me
by oldschoolraider on Jul 8, 2010 10:36 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Yep
Bam was a forerunner of Doctors without Borders. Trying to get that medicine to Delta County, Texas.
Give 'Em Hell Tech!!!!!
by Plano Jeff on Jul 8, 2010 10:51 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I thought he always got caught...
with coke, not pot.
by TheScarletandTheBlack on Jul 9, 2010 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions
michael irvin
said he got caught with ‘what you might call a roach’, i think bam had what you might call a bale.
by tony1979 on Jul 9, 2010 1:13 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Fun to reminisce
When I think back to all of the Tech games I have watched, the first person that comes to mind is The Smurf, Tyrone Thurman. Growing up as a short kid, Smurf made me believe I could play football and basketball, and I spent hours pretending I was him.
If I want to go before my time, I’d have to say EJ Holub. I was lucky enough to meet him while I attended Lubbock High School. He spoke at one of our homecoming rally’s and the thing that sticks out the most was A) the size of his hands and B) How fired up he got the team and school.
(I will say I did like Bam a ton while we has at Tech, even the Bam burger at Spanky’s….slightly tarnished now.)
Ironically,
the bam burger is a good fix for the munchies…
by tony1979 on Jul 9, 2010 9:38 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Im still in aww, about the size of his hands
whenever you shake his hand it feels like a bears hand, its so big
Man, this is tough.
I don’t even know where to start. I’m gonna name drop all the guys I grew up with that are still friends. Big Fred Thrweatt, Rex Richards, and the Normans. All great players and real nice guys. I got to watch Rex shut down people for KK and BJ. Some of you might remember Fred murdering Adrian Peterson and Rhett Bomar. Senior Swarm Represent! I was always a fan of Harrell and Crabtree. But I real liked some of the guys from the early Leach days. Neimiah Glover, Sir Don Lewis, Adell Duckett, Brock Stratton. I was a LB when I played and Duckett always impressed.
" Answers --Become Resources."
Without Questions, There are limited Resources...
by KWashburn on Jul 9, 2010 9:19 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
My wife and I
have always agreed on Rodney Allison. I thought he was going to become the point man for what I believed would be the surge to put Tech consistently on the level with Ark and ut. Tech was on an upswing starting with Carlen’s early 70’s teams, leading to 1975(?)‘s 10-2 season. Allison came in after starter Tommy Dunivan got injured. Everyone in the stands thought ’there goes our passing game’ as Dunivan was perceived as a passer and Allison as a runner. Allison wound up playing much like Reilsing or mccoy, scrambling, improving. He came in and Tech didn’t lose til the ‘all the marbles’ game against UH, just added to the SWC. The next year, Tech started the season ranked #5 or so by SI, having Allison back being a big reason. There was some preseason Heisman talk. I was attending Tech then, and the ride we were on was similar to the 2008 season. Anyway, his leg was broken in the 3rd game or so, and Tech lost a few games. One of my favorite game moments: Allison coming off the bench in Austin with a brace the size on a cantelope on his leg. He completed his 1st pass, the Tech contingency roared, and the huge home crowd went silent… Anyway, a play later he was sacked, and left the game.
He’s my wife’s favorite Tech player, too. She really liked the way he’d wiggle his butt right before taking the snap.
by tony1979 on Jul 9, 2010 10:28 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Favorite Players
Rodney Allison, Eric Felton, James Hadnot, Gabe Rivera, Wes Welker, Michael Crabtree, Rylan Reed, and Colby Whitlock.
Definitely Baron Batch
Baron Batch is definitely the number one favorite. Not only for how he plays the game on the field but how he now lives his life off the field. My youngest daughter (who is a student at Tech now) was fortunate to meet him after the Cotton Bowl loss to Ole Miss and they are still friends today. When she asked him to sign a #25 jersey for my nephew for Christmas, he was a little surprised and humbled we would want his autograph, stating he’s not anyone special. I totally disagree, Baron is someone special, on the field and off and my nephew proudly wears that jersey everytime the Red Raiders take the field. He’s a great role model for young kids and a few of us adults as well!
Seth- if you ever get the opportunity to talk with Baron, it will only reinforce why he’s your favorite!
Tied for second…Taurean Henderson, Adell Duckett, Rylan Reed and I have a feeling after this season Harrison Jeffers.
Favorites
All time Best name : Ecomet Burley
All time best hit: The Kansas State QB is Slayed (oh my god the pain)
All time best room mate : Mark Olbert ( he blocked for James Hadnot)
Favorites from the Panhandle: Cody Hodges (Hereford) Aubry Richburg (Hereford)
Zack Thomas ( Pampa)
All time BEST PLAY " THE CATCH" Crab ( I was there)
Favorite Cheer Leader ( Lisa Garza) ( Here again I was there)
Favorite from the Fifties ( James Clarke 6’4" 230, Sundown Texas )(Dad)
Current Favorite: Sticks. Because he is a winner.
All time Favorite. Wes Welker. Typical Tech guy Under rated Over Achiever. Makes the most of every moment.
Donny Anderson
Best pure athlete. He was gifted. He played scratch golf with ahrdly any effort.
That is a great video.
" Answers --Become Resources."
Without Questions, There are limited Resources...
My other nomiee
Brandon Sharpe. I used to work with him. He is such a cool guy. WAY chill and down to earth, likes to have fun and cut up. He’s really approachable and can just talk to him about anything. Hes off to the NFL now, living the dream. But hes a good guy with a humble attitude and a good head on his shoulders. I wish you good look, B Sharpe. :)
What do you call a Serbian with an insatiable desire for sweets with only one nad (in his throat)?
CHOCOHOLICINADINHISNECKDARKOINSKIVICHSKI
Old School Red Raiders
I remember the long suffering years of the 1980’s. Jerry Moore did not get a fair shake, nor did he have the resources, but he laid the foundation for the success that began under Spike. Jerry Moore proved his mettle at his current school. Spike. Well. Spike is Spike. I love him. My favorite Red Raider of all-time is Gabe Rivera. “Senor Sack” was as fierce a competitor as you will ever find. Tech played defense. We could not punch the ball out of a paper sack on offense, but we had defense. I remember playing 3-3 and 10-7 games. My second favorite Red Raider is Billy Joe Tolliver and third is….. Graham Harrell.
Eli
by Eliirodz on Jul 10, 2010 2:29 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
My short list
Rodney Allison
James Gray
Taurean Henderson
B J Symons
Tracy Saul
Wes Welker
Tyronne Thurman
Stephon Weatherspoon
He played MLB for us from 1989 – 1991’sh. He and I played ball together from the 9th grade (Mackenzie JH) to our senior year (Coronado HS). In the 9th grade I used to kick his butt all over the place. Then we were equal to each other in the 10th grade. By our junior year, he was ahead and by our senior year he kicked my butt all over the place.
I have a very special pain in my back that remind me of him!
by Red Raider in South GA on Jul 12, 2010 12:41 PM CDT reply actions
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