Texas Tech football nears end of spring drills: Here's who's stood out

Joey McGuire likes the looks of his team's run defense, its offensive line and running game, and returning Lou Groza Award semifinalist Stone Harrington.

Those are three strong suits the Texas Tech football coach said he sees after a month of spring football. The Red Raiders wrap up spring ball this week with their last two workouts, followed by the annual spring game scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, April 17, at Jones AT&T Stadium.

"I think we've got a really good run defense," McGuire said on Monday, April 13. "We've got a number of defensive guys back, but then we added some guys that can really stop the run: Adam Trick, Trey White, Bryce Butler, Mateen [Ibirogba], Julien [Laventure]. I think we're going to be really good stopping the run.

"On the other side of the ball, which has been fun to watch, we're better in the offensive line, and we can run the football. We've got two big-time backs that have had great springs."

Cameron Dickey last year was the Big 12's third-leading rusher with 1,124 yards and its leader in rushing touchdowns (14) and total touchdowns (16). J'Koby Williams was a Paul Hornung Award finalist who was second in the conference in all-purpose yards (868 rushing, 388 receiving, 269 in returns).

Texas Tech receivers coach Justin "Juice" Johnson looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

texas Tech tight ends coach Josh Cochran looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Jett Carpenter goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Kenny Johnson goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Howard Sampson goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's D'Anthis Upshaw goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Jojo Johnson goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Jalen Jones goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Bryson Jones goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Julien Laventure goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Amari Fleming goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Krush Johnson goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's S'Vioarean Martin goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Trey White goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Donovan Webb goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's outside linebackers coach Jacquies Smith leads a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's A.J. Holmes goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Imari Jehiel goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Quintaelyn Joyner goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Michael Dever goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Tristian Gentry goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Ben Roberts goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Corey Platt goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Brock Golwas goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech defensive coordinator Shiel Wood leads a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Austin Romaine goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Austin Romaine goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Ellis Davis goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Elias Gillen goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Jordan Church goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Felix Ojo goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Trey White (2) and Adam Trick go through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Brendan Sorsby goes through a drill as offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Lloyd Jones III goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Stephen Cannon goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Brendan Sorsby goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Micah Hudson goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Micah Hudson goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Texas Tech's Donte Lee goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

1 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech receivers coach Justin "Juice" Johnson looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

1 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech receivers coach Justin "Juice" Johnson looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

2 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

3 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

texas Tech tight ends coach Josh Cochran looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

4 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

5 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Jett Carpenter goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

6 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Kenny Johnson goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

7 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Howard Sampson goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

8 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's D'Anthis Upshaw goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

9 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Jojo Johnson goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

10 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Jalen Jones goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

11 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Bryson Jones goes through warmups during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

12 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Julien Laventure goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

13 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Amari Fleming goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

14 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Krush Johnson goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

15 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's S'Vioarean Martin goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

16 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Trey White goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

17 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Donovan Webb goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

18 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's outside linebackers coach Jacquies Smith leads a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

19 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's A.J. Holmes goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

20 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Imari Jehiel goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

21 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Quintaelyn Joyner goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

22 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Michael Dever goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

23 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Tristian Gentry goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

24 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Ben Roberts goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

25 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Corey Platt goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

26 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Brock Golwas goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

27 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech defensive coordinator Shiel Wood leads a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

28 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Austin Romaine goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

29 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Austin Romaine goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

30 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Ellis Davis goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

31 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Elias Gillen goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

32 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Jordan Church goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

33 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Felix Ojo goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

34 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Trey White (2) and Adam Trick go through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

35 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

36 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

37 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Brendan Sorsby goes through a drill as offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

38 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Lloyd Jones III goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

39 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Stephen Cannon goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

40 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Brendan Sorsby goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

41 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Micah Hudson goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

42 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich looks on during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

43 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Micah Hudson goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

44 / 44

See photos of the Texas Tech football team's 2026 spring practices

Texas Tech's Donte Lee goes through a drill during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

More: Why Kirby Hocutt is pushing more third-party NIL, a new collective

More: See Texas Tech pre-House settlement NIL funding by year, sport

One other element Tech can add to the run game: New quarterback Brendan Sorsby can scramble when the opportunity presents itself. The transfer from Cincinnati rushed for 447 and 580 yards the past two seasons, with 9 rushing touchdowns both years.

"We're in two-minute drill the other day, and we've got everything covered," McGuire said, "and Sorsby takes off and picks up 30 yards. He's somewhere between 238 and 240 pounds right now, and he can really run."

Harrington made 22 field goals, tied for second most in the Big 12 last year. He was good from 58, 55 and 53 yards.

"He was one of the best kickers in the nation, especially on kicking long field goals," McGuire said. "I think he's continued to have a really good spring."

Texas Tech's Mateen Ibirogba goes through warmups during spring football practice, Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Defensive coordinator Shiel Wood said Mateen Ibirogba, a defensive tackle who transferred from Wake Forest, has made the most improvement this spring.

"He had a good skill set coming in," Wood said, "but I think there was some areas we identified, that he identified, that he could take some growth in in terms of technique and fundamentals. I think he's doing that, he's understanding what we're doing and he's playing at a high level."

As for what still needs work, McGuire cited relaying calls and communication, especially with a new starter expected at safety; Sorsby and a boatload of transfer receivers developing chemistry; and continued culture building.

With third-leading tackler Cole Wisniewski gone, one of the sophomores, Peyton Morgan, Oliver Miles III, or Malik Esquerra, is expected to step in as a starting safety.

More: Peyton Morgan, Malik Esquerra rising in Texas Tech football battle

More: Can Texas Tech football's Hunter Zambrano finally catch a break?

Aside from that, the new starter on the back end, returning cornerback Brice Pollock, missed spring ball recovering from shoulder surgery. With Pollock's snaps temporarily open, UT-San Antonio transfer Davin Martin has played on the first team opposite returnee Amier Boyd.

"We expected a lot out of him [Martin] based on his production at the college level, what we've seen on film," Wood said, "and we've been pleased with him."

The new pass catchers include Kenny Johnson from Pittsburgh, Donte Lee Jr. from Liberty and Malcolm Simmons from Auburn on the outside and Jalen Jones from Alabama State on the inside.

"We're really, really pleased with all the new additions," offensive coordinator Mack Leftwich said, "how fast they've picked up the offense and how seamless a transition it's been this spring."

More: Is more than Texas Tech football in Malcolm Simmons' future?

More: How WR Kenny Johnson is finding a comfort zone with Texas Tech football

Texas Tech's Donte Lee catches a pass during spring football practice, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Womble Football Center.

Leftwich echoed McGuire regarding the offensive line: "I think we've got a chance to be really special in that unit," he said. He also singled out the quarterbacks, not only with Sorsby but what he's seen from backups Kirk Francis and Lloyd Jones III.

Leftwich said the depth at running back, receiver, and tight end is going to allow him to use a lot of personnel groups.

"Our receiver room is as deep as it probably has ever been since coach (McGuire) has been here," Leftwich said, "so I think the possibilities on how we use those guys and accentuate the skill sets is pretty endless, so I'm excited about that."

With more than 20 transfers for the second year in a row, though, McGuire said blending them is his assignment.

"Everybody talks about Xs and Os and strengths of O-line, we're bigger — all that stuff's true," McGuire said, "but I've had a lot of NFL teams talk about how connected last year's team was when they watched them on film.

"That's my responsibility. That's what I think I try to do most when it comes to this team is get us to be together and develop that team chemistry. We're going in a really good direction."

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Joey McGuire, coordinators review Texas Tech football spring standouts