Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Football Notebook #3 - July 13, 2004
July 13, 2004 | Football
July 13, 2004
Ticket Record Falls Again - Texas Tech eclipsed its record-setting season ticket sales of a year ago and has sold 20,788 to date. Last season's record total was 20,168, recorded on the final day of season ticket sales on Aug. 29, 2003. The final day of season ticket sales this season is Sept. 17.
Women's Clinic Participants Urged to Register Quickly - The Fourth Annual Texas Tech Football Women's Clinic is scheduled for Thu., Aug. 5, and those planning on attending are encouraged to do so early. The event has been a sell out each of the last three years. For more information, contact the Texas Tech Football office at (806) 742-4260.
Masked Rider Celebrates 50 Years - One of the greatest traditions in the history of college football will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. The Masked Rider made its first appearance at the Gator Bowl in January 1954 and has been a staple of Texas Tech football and the university's most recognized symbol since. The golden anniversary of the Masked Rider will be recognized in a special ceremony during the Nebraska game Oct. 9.
Position Outlook (Offensive Line) -- Texas Tech's next quarterback can take comfort in knowing that the offensive line is the deepest it's been in the last five seasons. Red Raider offensive line coach Robert Anae returns four starters across the front, but will have to replace all-conference center Toby Cecil, who signed a free agent contract with the Carolina Panthers in the spring.
Senior tackle Daniel Loper has 31 career starts, including all 13 games last season, and is a strong awards candidate for the 2004 season. He was the anchor of an offensive line last season that allowed on 25 sacks in 780 pass attempts after giving up 46 sacks the previous season.
Senior center Dylan Gandy will start in Cecil's place. Gandy only has seven career starts, but has seen considerable action at both guard positions and at the center position over the course of his career.
Sophomore Manuel Ramirez started the last 10 games of last season at right guard, while senior Cody Campbell started 11 games at left guard. Junior tackle E.J. Whitley started seven of the last 10 games at right tackle after starting the first three games of the season at right guard.
Sophomore tackle Glenn January will backup Loper this season, while junior Bryan Kegans's versatility will allow him to sit in the second position on the depth chart at both guard positions and right tackle. Sophomore Brandon Jones turned in an impressive spring and will back up Gandy at center.
Among the younger players vying for playing time is Matt Grisell at left tackle, Daniel Christian and Lance Lusk at left guard, Josh Morris at right guard and Ben Griffin and former tight end Gabe Hall at right tackle. True freshmen Josh Aleman, Cody Baker, David Chatterton and Jared Williams will battle for playing time.
(Look for other position outlooks each week in the Texas Tech Football Notebook)
