REPORT: Texas Tech QB Behren Morton assumes the starting position for 2024

Texas Tech just finished with a 6-6 record, and for the seventh time this season, the Red Raiders lost their starting quarterback to an injury.

Behren Morton, who started the final eight of Tech’s nine games this season while suffering from his own shoulder issue, took over after Tyler Shough was sidelined in West Virginia with a broken fibula.

Since Shough moved to Louisville, Morton has taken over as the full-time starting quarterback. As he enters his junior year of college, he will aim to expand on his impressive debut.

Important Returners: Jake Strong (Redshirt Freshman, 6-1, 210) and Behren Morton (Redshirt Junior, 6-2, 215)

Key Losses: Tyler Shough (transferred to Louisville)

Freshmen: Will Hammond (6-2, 195), Cameran Brown (transfer Redshirt Sophomore, West Georgia, 6-2, 225)

Important unanswered question: Who steps up behind Morton?

This cycle, the Red Raiders signed two quarterbacks, with West Georgia transfer Cameran Brown being the team with the most experience behind Morton.

After observing the impact that 2023 true freshman Jake Strong had on the team, Tech acquired four-star quarterback Will Hammond, who is seen as the position’s future starter after Morton.

With Brown appearing to be the front-runner in the clubhouse going into spring camp, it will be interesting to see who the Red Raiders slot in at number two on the depth chart.

Why 2024 might be better

This season, Morton returns with more collegiate playing experience than ever before.

The 2024 season may be the best one yet for the former four-star quarterback who has now fully assumed the starting position after spending the most of the 2023 season as a starter.

The Red Raiders performed incredibly well in the transfer window and have prepared themselves and their quarterback for success with a revamped offensive line and wide receiver group.

Why 2024 might be worse

Can Morton be kept healthy by the Red Raiders?

It has been difficult for Tech to keep their quarterback healthy for a number of years, and if that pattern keeps up, Morton will have very little support.

If Morton is hurt, there isn’t much depth, which hasn’t been a theme during Joey McGuire’s time in Lubbock. The most experienced options behind Morton are West Georgia transfers Brown and Strong, who struggled as a true freshman when he was forced into action during the Kansas State and BYU losses.

General perspective

The starting for the Red Raiders is someone that many supporters have been demanding for a long time. However, the Red Raiders have some untested ground at quarterback if the injury bug rears its head again behind him.