While everyone knows that 2024 All-Big 12 running back Tahj Brooks will be Texas Tech’s workhorse in the backfield, there was an offseason battle for the No. 2 running back job behind him. Interestingly, though, it was a surprise freshman who did the most for himself in fall camp, thanks to the opportunities he was afforded after one of his teammates was injured.
A sprained ankle has limited freshman Cameron Dickey’s practice. In fact, he did not participate in Saturday’s scrimmage (nor did Brooks, out of caution), the second of fall camp. Fortunately, head coach Joey McGuire said Tuesday that Dickey is feeling better and has returned to practice.
Although the Austin native has already earned a spot in Texas Tech’s running back rotation for this season, his brief absence allowed another freshman, J’Koby Williams, to shine in his place. In fact, McGuire raved about Williams earlier this week and the potential he has shown in fall camp.
“The best part of this whole thing,” McGuire said, “is J’Koby Williams is making a difference after Cam sprained his ankle. I mean, he’s special. If he’s running the ones and twos and seeing a little bit of a better, clearer picture now, there’s definitely something there.”
“I mean, I’m not saying how much he would play, but he’s definitely a guy that hits home runs. Catches the ball really well out of the backfield.”
This isn’t the first time Williams has been publicly praised by his head coach this fall. In fact, one could argue that few other Red Raiders have done more in training camp to improve their reputation.
Still, Williams is likely to miss a game this season, meaning he may only play in four regular-season games.
You have to wonder if there are concerns about throwing him into the running back mix because he’s only 5’10” and 190 pounds. That’s extremely light weight for a Big 12 running back.
Additionally, Williams probably won’t be needed this fall. With Brooks doing the lion’s share of the work, Tech doesn’t need three reserve players to make important plays.
McGuire said junior Cam’Ron Valdez and Dickey are currently “2A and 2B” on the rankings, so we can expect to see each of those players weekly. In fact, McGuire said last week that Dickey will not redshirt this season.
Still, Red Raider fans should remember the name J’Koby Williams. He will get some opportunities this fall and next year and could be a major factor in the Red Raider running back room with Brooks no longer on the roster after graduation.
Williams only arrived in Lubbock at the beginning of fall training camp, but has taken full advantage of the opportunities he has been given. He is certainly a player to keep an eye on in the coming seasons and one of the most promising players for the Red Raiders’ future.
