Four Downs with Texas Tech freshman class

LUBBOCK, Texas – In the midst of a 66-21 rout of North Texas this past Saturday, Texas Tech fans received an extended look at many of the promising freshmen head coach Joey McGuire and his staff have raved about since their arrival.

The freshmen class, namely running backs Cameron Dickey and J'Koby Williams as well as wide receiver Micah Hudson and quarterback Will Hammond, saw extended playing time in the second half with both Dickey and Williams finding the end zone. Hudson nearly recorded his first career touchdown himself on a quick slant from Hammond that turned into a 32-yard gain to set up Williams from three yards out a play later.

Dickey and Williams combined on 14 carries for 102 yards and two touchdowns in the win, while Hudson added three receptions for 43 yards, all coming from Hammond, who was an impressive 5-of-7 overall for 70 yards with two carries for 11 yards.

As part of "Four Downs," we ask the four freshmen to recap the North Texas victory and what they've learned as Red Raiders thus far in their young Texas Tech careers.

Cameron Dickey
What was the experience like for you running out against Abilene Christian and getting playing time in your first time in Jones AT&T Stadium?
"It was unbelievable for sure. Coming from high school we didn't really have too many fans at the games and then walking into the Jones, running out of the South Endzone, it was amazing"

You scored your first touchdown at Washington State. What was that experience like for you?
"Walking into the endzone was definitely an unreal moment. It just happened so quick, I felt like I wasn't able to digest it all but now looking back it, it was definitely a great moment."

What have you learned thus far that you maybe didn't know when you arrived?
"It takes time and the speed of the game, it's a big difference. Learning to trust your guys, and if you trust your guys, you get the work done."

How much does it change now for you and this team with Big 12 play beginning?
"It's a big difference for sure because you really have to be locked in when it counts. If you want to get to AT&T Stadium [Dallas] in December, you really have to make it count."

Will Hammond
You saw your first playing time against North Texas. What was that experience like?
"It was definitely an exciting experience. It was special to be able to go out there with my teammates, especially the young guys just because we all came in early and have been working really hard. It was fun to get out there and play really well with those guys."

What have you learned thus far that you maybe didn't know when you arrived?
"Just that you always need to be confident in yourself, whether you have a bad play or a good one. You always have to be confident in yourself for the next rep, because you can always continue to grow and learn – whether that's in practice or a game."

As a quarterback, what was it like seeing several of your fellow freshmen play well last Saturday and find the end zone?
"It's the best feeling in the world seeing my teammates play well, especially those guys, J'Koby (Williams), Cam (Dickey), and Micah (Hudson). Also, Tyson (Turner) getting in there at the end. Like I said before, these guys all came in early and have been working their tails off, so it's just a glimpse of what the fans get to see on Saturday."

How much does it change now for you and this team with Big 12 play beginning?
"It's an opportunity to get better each week. The opportunity to compete in this conference and the chance to earn a shot at playing in the CFP (College Football Playoff)."

Micah Hudson
You've said since you arrived at Texas Tech that you couldn't wait for that first experience inside Jones AT&T Stadium. Describe it for us.
"The feeling of playing college football in that stadium has been unbelievable. Getting to play with my teammates and see them succeed and do everything that they've been working hard to get to. Also, having the support from our fans. It's a big support system, and they come out every Saturday and support us as hard as they can, even if they're at home. I love that."

What have you learned thus far that you maybe didn't know when you arrived?
"Honestly, I would say learning the different formations and different ways to run routes. In high school, you don't know as much and once you get to college, it starts opening up and unfolding for you. It starts to become more understandable as you get through the season. So, I feel like learning the plays and different things like that is something that I've learned."

You came close to scoring your first touchdown last weekend. What was that feeling like?
"I mean it was fun because I got to watch 20 (J'Koby Williams) go get in the end zone. That's really all I cared about."

What are you looking forward to the most the rest of this season with the start of Big 12 play?
"Our team coming out and working hard every day. Knowing that it's going to show on Saturday, all of the hard work we've been putting in during the week. Also, coming in here and having a good mindset everyday knowing that Saturday, we're ready to go."

J'Koby Williams
What have you learned thus far that you maybe didn't know when you arrived?
"It's amazing, we've been working so hard building up to that game. Just getting on the field for the first time in a college game is just fun. I'm just happy to be there."

You received significant praise this week from both Joey McGuire and your position coach Kenny Perry for the block you had on your very first play. Take us through what went through that.
"I just had a lot of adrenaline going out on that play. I was just ready to get in, and do what I had to, go do my job."

What have you learned thus far that you maybe didn't know when you arrived?
"I've learned a bunch. I've learned protections, schemes, defenses, just a bunch. "

You played at a 2A level school at Beckville in high school. What was the transition like to this level and playing in front of 60,000 fans?
"You know it's different, coming from a 2A, with probably 100 or so people at the game, to a 50,000-60,000 seat stadium. It's way different, but it's just another football game on a bigger stage."

Texas Tech University Athletics

Four Downs with Texas Tech freshman class

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