MIDLAND, Texas – Texas Tech showcased its 2016 football squad to the public for the first time on Saturday afternoon, at the annual Midland Spring Practice.

Fans were treated to a great tailgating scene outside Grande Communications Stadium before the 1 p.m. kickoff.

The practice began with eight series, featuring varying groupings of the offensive and defensive players. The ball also started at a different position on the field for each drive.

After that, there was a 10-minute special teams period before a five-minute halftime.

Following the halftime, there were six more series between the offense and defense to close the one hour, 15 minute practice.

“It’s good to see who reacts in front of a crowd, who plays well, who gets nervous, has penalties, missed assignments and things of that nature,” Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury said. “It’s a great crowd every year we come–it exceeds our expectations and has incredible energy. It is a real honor for us to be able to come here every year.”

Patrick Mahomes II had a crisp outing, starting the day 5/7 for 86 yards on the opening scoring drive, which was polished off by a two-yard touchdown pass to Zach Austin. Mahomes would finish the day 13/20 for 188 yards and two touchdowns, the second of which being a 27-yard strike to Cameron Batson, who finished with five catches for 83 yards and a score.

“I’d still be playing if I could do what he can do,” Kingsbury said of Mahomes. “His improvement, not playing baseball and only focusing solely on football has been incredible. It’s scary to see what he is going to do this next year but I am excited to watch him. He’s been phenomenal all spring.”

In his first appearance as a Red Raider, Jett Duffey went 7/12 through the air for 120 yards and two scores. Duffey’s second touchdown connection was the longest play of the day, a 48 yard bomb to Derrick Willies, who was also making his Red Raider debut. Willies, the NJCAA first team All-American, finished with three receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown.

Leading the way from a rushing standpoint was Justin Stockton, with three carries for 44 yards and two scores, the second of which being a 32-yard scamper off an option pitch from Mahomes.

Defensively, the Red Raiders forced two turnovers. Lonzell Gilmore scooped up a Corey Dauphine fumble in the first half, which was Dauphine’s lone blemish on the day, as he finished with seven carries for 45 yards and a three-yard touchdown.

The other turnover forced was a deflected Payne Sullins pass that landed in the arms of Kisean Allen. The Red Raiders also recorded five “sacks” on the day, which were plays blown dead before quarterbacks were hit, in an effort to avoid contact with quarterbacks. The sacks came from Zach Barnes, Kolin Hill, Paul Banks III, Gary Moore and Jamile Johnson.

The Red Raiders will be back in action at the annual Spring Game, which will be held on Saturday, April 16, inside Jones AT&T Stadium. The hour-long contest is scheduled to begin at noon, and will be televised on FOX Sports Southwest.

Courtesy: Texas Tech Sports Information Department