Texas Tech University Athletics
Junior Quarterback Kliff Kingsbury
October 12, 2001 | Football
Oct. 12, 2001
By Alisa Brydson, Texas Tech Media Relations
What exactly goes through a quarterback's head after the ball is snapped? Watch the offense, read the defense and go through all the motions. Oh yeah, hope you don't get hit.
These thoughts aren't any different for Texas Tech quarterback, Kliff Kingsbury.
Kingsbury, a junior from New Braunfels, Texas, has had football in his life for as long as he can remember. How could he not, his father is a football coach.
In his senior year at New Braunfels High School, under the guidance of his father, Tim, Kingsbury lead his teammates to the Division II-5A semifinals. That same year, he passed for 3,009 yards, 34 touchdowns, completed 216-of-341 pass attempts and was named to the state "Top 100" by Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. He was also selected as Offensive Most Valuable Player in Texas High School Coaches All-Star Game and San Antonio area Offensive Player of the Year.
Then, 1998 was Kingsbury's redshirt season at Tech and he was named to the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll. In 1999, he played in six games, starting one. His start came against Oklahoma, completing 9 of 17 pass attempts for 259 yards and a career-best 75-yard pass. Kingsbury ended the 1999 season with 25 of 57 passes for 492 yards and four touchdowns.
"When I came to college, I wanted to be the starting quarterback," Kingsbury stated. "And nothing was going to keep me from it."
In 2000, nothing stopped the 6-4, 205-pound quarterback from getting exactly what he wanted. He started all 12 games. He also created an impressive resume for himself, along the way. Kingsbury was second in the Big 12 and eighth nationally it total offense with 286.4 yards per game. He finished seventh in the nation in passing. Kingsbury was also first in the league with 21 touchdown passes, 3418 yards passing and 3437 total yards. He managed to set 13 Tech records in 2000. And he was named to the Academic All-Big 12 first team and the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll for his outstanding grade point average.
Since the 2000 Season, Kingsbury has become very popular with the media, donned the cover of Texas Football and even has a pen with his name on it, promoting him for All-American. Yet, he is still focused on what he wants and what is important to him.
"The attention isn't what is important to me," Kingsbury said. "Playing the game is the fun part."
On game day, Kingsbury's preparation consists of watching other football games on television and trying to stay relaxed. Sound simple? Well, that is how he likes it to be. Kingsbury keeps things simple and is determined to achieve his goals for this year, to win and to go to a major bowl game.
"Going to a major bowl, is something that we haven't done since I've been here," stated Kingsbury.
Kingsbury said that he wouldn't be where he is now without his family. He gives them credit for keeping things in perspective and helping him stay focused. Kingsbury said that his father stopped being his coach and is now one of his fans. His newly found relationship with his dad means so much to him. Then, there is Kingsbury's mother, Sally, who continues to keep her son grounded.
"My mother is so supportive," said Kingsbury. "It doesn't matter if I throw three interceptions or three touchdowns, she always says that I played great. My mom just keeps everything in perspective for me."
Kingsbury doesn't know what this year has in store for him but by keeping his mind on the game and with help from his teammates, he just might achieve his goals for the year.
"I just want to continue to get better," Kingsbury said. "Then, I guess, I'll wait and see what the future holds."
