Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Football Begins Spring Practice Wednesday
March 25, 2003 | Football
March 25, 2003
LUBBOCK, Texas - Spring football practice gets underway at Texas Tech Wednesday, marking the official on-field beginning of the 2003 football season.
The Red Raiders will practice through the annual Red-Black Game on April 19. Workouts are scheduled, weather permitting, on each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through the spring game. Weekday practices are set to get underway at 3 p.m., while Saturday practices will begin at 10 a.m. Practices are open to the public.
All eyes will be on the quarterback position and senior B.J. Symons (Houston, Texas/Cypress Creek), who replaces record-setting quarterback and three-year starter Kliff Kingsbury. Symons passed 43 times in 2002 and completed 28 passes for 329 yards and five touchdowns.
Running back Taurean Henderson (Gatesville, Texas/Gatesville), who set the NCAA freshman mark with 98 receptions last season. Henderson also led the Red Raiders on the ground with 793 yards and seven touchdowns on 153 attempts.
Wes Welker (Oklahoma City, Okla./Heritage Hall) returns for his senior campaign after turning in a phenomenal junior season. Welker was third in the Big 12 in all-purpose yards (146.8) and led the league with three punt returns for touchdowns. He also became only the second Red Raider in history to record over 1,000 receiving yards with 1,054 on 86 receptions.
Tech looks to be strong up front as four starters return to an experienced offensive line, led by senior C Toby Cecil (Richardson, Texas/Berkner). In addition to the four returning starters, Tech also brings back two others with extensive playing and some starting experience.
The defense will be under new leadership in 2003 with first-year defensive coordinator Lyle Setencich at the helm. Prior to taking last season off, Setencich spent time on the defensive staffs at California and Arizona State since the 1995 season. Additionally, Tech added Johnny Barr and Charlie Sadler to the defensive staff.
Tech returns five starters to the defensive side, highlighted by senior strong safety Ryan Aycock (Lubbock, Texas/Coronado). Aycock is the team's leading returning tackler with 151 stops in 2002. Junior linebacker Mike Smith (Lubbock, Texas/Coronado) finished 2002 with 104 tackles.
The Red Raiders open the 2003 season at home Aug. 30 against SMU. Tech begins conference play Oct. 4 against Texas A&M at Jones SBC Stadium.
