Texas Tech has seen its quarterback depth depleted by transfers of late, but the Red Raiders could see that same avenue as a way of replenishing the position.
In a little blurb that appears in his weekly, all-encompassing notes column, Charley Waters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press wrote that Texas Tech “appears to be the front-runner” for the services of Philip Nelson. This past week, Nelson surprisingly decided to transfer from Minnesota.
Waters also lists UCLA “as a possible destination” for the quarterback.
Over the past month, the Red Raiders have seen both Baker Mayfield and Michael Brewer transfer out of the football program for various reasons. Mayfield and fellow true freshman Davis Webb combined to start all 13 of Tech’s games this season, with the former attempting 340 passes and the latter 361. Brewer was the presumptive frontrunner for the starting job before a back issue that flared up during summer camp led to Webb and Mayfield sharing the signal-calling responsibilities throughout the year.
Webb will head into spring practice as the favorite to win the job.
The past two seasons, Nelson, who was a three-star member of the Gophers’ 2012 recruiting class, has started 16 games. Nine of those starts came as a true sophomore in a 2013 season in which he led the run-heavy Gophers in passing yards (1,306) and passing touchdowns (nine). He was also third in rushing yards (364) and rushing touchdowns (six).
Wherever Nelson ultimately lands, he won’t be eligible to play until 2015 as he’ll have to sit out the 2014 season to satisfy NCAA transfer rules.