Takeaways: Kingsbury "fairly close" to set starting lineup and more
Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury and the media weathered the storm Tuesday evening to go over the beginning of practices this week. Kingsbury said he is “fairly close” to figuring out a starting lineup. Here are some more notes from Tuesday’s media session.
Kingsbury said this week is simulated game mode. He will figure out how his team handles two weeks to prepare for its opener against Eastern Washington. This also gives him and his coaching staff time to work with players on how things will work once classes begin next Monday.
When asked about any certain position giving him a tough time on who should start, Kingsbury said his interior offensive lineman have been that group. He added that OL Jack Anderson has been pushing OL Jacob Hines at the left guard position.
Despite that, Kingsbury said OL Jajuan Dulaney is also in the mix with Anderson and Hines in a three-man rotation. The other group he hasn’t quite figured out is the defensive end group.
DL Zach Barnes gives the coaches the ability to be diverse as Kingsbury said he sees Barnes playing some at tackle.
LB Riko Jeffers has given some depth to the linebacker position. Kingsbury said Jeffers is a tough player and has picked up quite quick and good – good enough to see some playing time. Kingsbury even said he looks good enough to be in the two-deep if he looks good early.
Kingsbury mentioned that it is possible to see some guys like Jeffers and other young defenders be redshirted, but it all depends on how much help they need on defense and on special teams.
Kingsbury moved on to the offensive side of the ball and said QB Jett Duffey needs to slow down, but that he’s been good for them since his return. Kingsbury said more reps will be good for the Mansfield Lake Ridge alumnus which will be pushed heavily during the bye week following Texas Tech’s first game.
“That bye week gives us some time to get an extra prep week on Arizona State,” Kingsbury said. “And to push guys like Jett and some other guys who we’re trying to figure out what their role is on this team some extra reps.”
OL Travis Bruffy, however, is one spot that is more less assured at left tackle, but the young quarterback protector says he is constantly working on his game, but doesn’t feel like his job is totally safe.
“I don’t think I’m ever solidified as a spot. There’s a change every day, especially at this level,” Bruffy said. “But, I definitely took the responsibility on my back that someone’s going to trust me with protecting their quarterback, the ‘franchise guy,’ and Nic, I’m not going to let him down. I’m going to do what every I can to improve my sets, my footwork, my hand position and those minute details. I have focused on that all summer.”
When asked about the criticism from fans and the media about the offensive line, Bruffy said everyone has the right to question the group’s ability. The offensive line was “terrible” last season, Bruffy said.
“We’ve definitely focused on becoming more physical and an emphasis on running the ball,” Bruffy said, “so if they’re really believing that going into game one they’re in for a surprise.”
He also discussed some of his family roots to Texas A&M and Rice, and also mentioned some guys he looks up to including one former standout lineman in Bruce Matthews.
Kingsbury mentioned that Bruffy reminded him of Luke Joeckel last year, but Bruffy says he cannot be compared to the talent of Joeckel. He added that Kingsbury might have just compared the two since they both played baseball.
Bruffy grew up near College Station and his mom played golf at A&M while his dad played baseball over at Rice. His mother told him as a child that Texas Tech was the one place she didn’t want him to attend because there’s nothing in Lubbock except a good golf course. However, her mind was changed on his unofficial visit.
Back to football, Bruffy said he feels like the offensive line has come together since last year. However, he was thrilled to talk about Nisby’s physical play in the backfield.
“He reminds of back in the day when I used to watch a guy named Jorvorskie Lane from A&M. He reminds me just like that just a little quicker and better physique.”
Bruffy said he looks up to Tyron Smith and Joe Thomas when it comes to active players, but his work with Matthews has helped him in development. He said he last worked with him this previous summer.
“When I was working with him, I was 265 pounds so the first thing he said was to put on weight or you’re not going to play. But the next thing was working on hand placement. You can be a weaker guy, a smaller guy, but with better hand placement you’re going to dominate.”
However, Bruffy isn’t the only one on the team that has some mentoring from a guy who has made a name at the NFL level.
WR Keke Coutee chimed in on an athlete that has inspired him and that being fellow Lufkin native and Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant.
Coutee said he communicates with Bryant on Twitter mainly, but that he has known him since he was in middle school and Bryant was in high school.
He recently asked Bryant for some tips on how to take care of his body and health related items,
When it comes to the field Coutee said he plans on working on his blocking and that he feels like the offense is working on fixing some details.
He said he keeps pushing himself despite bursting onto the scene and being named to some watch lists.
Even though Bruffy and Coutee are still working on their game, Kingsbury touched on a rule he implemented back in March – that being the “no ‘double t’” rule in the facility until it’s earned. He gave the media an update on how that’s going.
“Not yet,” Kingsbury said. “We have to push through this final stretch and see if we get it back before Saturday.”
Bruffy touched on the subject as well and had this to say:
“That’s not up to me,” Bruffy said. “That’s up to the people with a lot more authority. But, until we win the first game, I don’t think there’s any reason we haven’t earned it. Our record is still 5-7.”