Texas Tech University Athletics
Behren Morton to miss AutoZone Liberty Bowl
December 14, 2024 | Football
Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton underwent shoulder surgery this week in Los Angeles
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech junior quarterback Behren Morton will miss the upcoming AutoZone Liberty Bowl after undergoing shoulder surgery Tuesday in Los Angeles. He is projected to resume throwing activities this spring in anticipation of returning to full workouts this summer.
The elective surgery was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a leading orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder injuries. Dr. ElAttrache, who was recommended by Texas Tech medical director and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kevin Crawford and its sports medicine staff, is also the head team physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Rams and has significant experience with professional athletes across the NFL and Major League Baseball.
"After hearing from several leading NFL medical experts, my family and I felt it was best to get this procedure done now so that I can fully rehab this spring and be ready for the start of summer workouts," Morton said. "As I've said all year, this injury did not impact me at all this past season. I elected to undergo this surgery now for my long-term success, which will allow me to invest more time in offseason strength and conditioning and my development as a quarterback. I love this team and will be there every step of the way as a captain and leader entering the bowl game."
Morton completed 63.3 percent of his passes this season, throwing for 3,335 yards and 27 touchdowns to lead a Texas Tech offense that enters bowl season ranked fifth in the country for scoring at 38.6 points per game as well as ninth for both total offense a contest (459.8) and passing yards per game (298.1). The Red Raiders lead the Big 12 in both scoring and total offense and are third currently for average passing yards.
Morton, himself, ranks 10th nationally for passing yards as he was among the top quarterbacks in the country in protecting the football with only eight interceptions, which marked the fewest by a Red Raider quarterback all-time with at least 3,000 passing yards.
"Behren is a competitor and a fantastic leader for this football program," head coach Joey McGuire said. "I know he wants to be with his teammates against Arkansas in the Liberty Bowl, but this decision is best for his long-term future as a quarterback as well as following his playing career. Our team has been preparing for this possibility, and I know Behren will be a great resource to Will (Hammond) and our entire team in the days leading up to the game."
True freshman quarterback Will Hammond will make his first career start in Morton's place when the Red Raiders face Arkansas in a reunion of former Southwest Conference foes at the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. Dec. 27 on ESPN.
