A huge number of factors go into the success of any football team. In this series, we will be examining 25 of them. More specifically, we will take a reverse-order look at the 25 players who will be most crucial if the Texas Tech Red Raiders are to have a successful 2008 season, however that may be defined.

This is not, however, a list of the best players on the team. Rather, this series takes into consideration the importance of a given position on the team, depth issues, experience and inexperience, and the historic strengths and weaknesses of Mike Leach's program. The results, therefore, may surprise many readers, and will hopefully spur discussion and debate.

Stephen Hamby: Center may not be the most glamorous position in football, but it is one in which Texas Tech is exceedingly well fortified. Indeed, in the persons of Stephen Hamby and Shawn Byrnes, it is probably safe to say that the Red Raiders possess the best one-two punch at center in the Big 12, perhaps the nation. By all means put them on the cover of a magazine!

Tech's wealth of talent at center doubtless came as a bit of a surprise to observers who understandably believed that returning starter Byrnes was the man and that all backups were a distant second. Hamby, a junior who had previously done time at guard and center, obviously had other plans. So much so that he actually overtook Byrnes for the starting spot late in spring drills and goes into the summer as a starting member of the Air Raid.

There is, however, a significant proviso. Hamby was involved in an off-field altercation that resulted in criminal charges being filed against him. As of this writing, Hamby's case remains unresolved. Nevertheless, the consensus opinion is that even if the case goes to trial and Hamby is found guilty, the punishment would likely not prevent him from playing in 2008. But then he would face the judgment of Mike Leach, which can be sterner than that of your average jury.

Be that as it may, Hamby is the current starter at one of the two most important positions on the offensive line, the other being left tackle. That certifies him as an extremely important player and a key element to the team's future success.

The qualities Hamby brings to the position are the same ones that boosted him above and beyond Byrnes. He has always been a tough, dogged blocker, but since the 2007 campaign has also become noticeably more physical. Hamby is still not quite the drive blocker that Byrnes is, but he is more than capable of dealing with Big 12 tackles and nose guards in the running game.

His greatest asset, however, is his pass protection skills. Hamby has great vision, is extremely quick and has tremendous lateral movement. This allows him to lock onto blitzing linebackers and stunting defensive ends, and to slide over and pick them up before they can do any damage. With Hamby in the lineup, Tech's already marvelous pass protection should be even better.

Key Stat: The Red Raiders allowed one sack per 47.3 pass attempts in 2007. As brilliant as that stat is, it could be even better in 2008. And a totally unharassed Graham Harrell throwing to the likes of Michael Crabtree and Eric Morris could be a scary thing.

Where He Fits In: Current starter at center, but he will face constant fierce competition from Shawn Byrnes.

2008 Expectation: Without admittedly knowing the full details of Hamby's legal situation, we nevertheless expect him to emerge from that situation in good shape and assume his starting role at center. He should then become one of the Big 12's best at that position.

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20. Offensive Lineman Stephen Hamby

21. Linebacker Brian Duncan

22. Safety Daniel Charbonnet

23. Running Back Aaron Crawford

24. H-Back Ryan Hale

25. Right Tackle Marlon Winn