Last Updated: Sept. 6th, 2007


1.  Michael Crabtree
To say that Michael Crabtree has been a surprise this season would be a disservice to both the word surprise and what Crabtree has brought to the Red Raider offense this season. With a nation leading 38 receptions, 538 yards receiving, and 8 touchdowns, the Texas Tech freshman is playing like a seasoned veteran as opposed to someone making only his fourth collegiate start.

Look for Crabtree to be double covered this weekend by Oklahoma State and have his first opportunity to show his stuff against a talented, although under performing, Cowboy secondary.
2.  Graham Harrell
It seems to be a return to the days of BJ Symons with the Tech offense leading just about every passing stat in the country. Harrell has 1,317 yards, 14 touchdowns, and has been sacked only once (each one of those statistics is better than Heisman hopeful Colt Brennan). Harrell also seems less fazed by being blitzed and is doing a great job of spreading the football around.
3.  Daniel Howard
  A junior college transfer defensive end who didn’t draw much notice from fans, Howard is rapidly becoming the Raiders best pass rusher. Explosive off of the line, Howard has recorded a sack against Rice and leads all defensive linemen with four tackles for loss.
4.  Rajon Henley
Henley is holding his own in the middle and becoming a dangerous inside pass rusher. Look for Henley to have a big game this week as he goes up against a young center for Oklahoma State.
5.  Richard Jones

Jones is being replaced in the starting line-up by Colby Whitlock but has been a good presence in the first three games of the season, leading all interior linemen with 5 unassisted tackles. Jones is not the pass rusher that Colby Whitlock or Rajon Henley is, but against the run he is one of the better options on the inside.

6.  Rylan Reed
Perhaps the least talked about but most important member of the offense, Reed is doing a tremendous job protecting quarterback Graham Harrell’s backside. Reed has made the switch over from right tackle and appears to have not missed a beat. Reed is key to protecting Harrell and ensuring that the Air Raid offense continues to function at peak levels.
7.  Colby Whitlock
A freshman making his first start, Whitlock has been everything that was needed out of a freshman defensive tackle this season. Whitlock has one sack and four tackles this season and should see those numbers increase as he is one the field more. One significant change is that Whitlock moves to end when the Red Raiders are in their 3-4 alignment, which allows him to take advantage of his pure pass-rush ability.
8.  LA Reed
LA Reed is not the leading receiver for Tech, nor is he the receiver that draws the most publicity. But he may be the most important player, from a versatility stand point, on the roster. In addition to starting as a receiver, Reed is also a starting kick-off return man and a gunner on punts. While Reed had only one big catch against Rice, look for his numbers to sky rocket this week as he benefits from coverage that is rolled to Michael Crabtree on the opposite side of the field.