THREE AND OUT: PRESEASON EDITION

1. D’vonta Hinton is no longer with the team.

Kliff Kingsbury confirmed during a teleconference that D’vonta Hinton is no longer with the team. Kingsbury declined to give any details regarding the circumstances. Hinton had a breakout season in 2015 as a freshman after starting all 13 games and recording 53 tackles. Last season Hinton played in four games before missing the rest of the season due to personal issues. The defensive back position is stacked with Jordan Brooks and Dakota Allen and the loss shouldn't hurt too much as long as injuries are kept to a minimum.

2. MCLANE CARTER WILL BE THE BACKUP QUARTERBACK.

Kingsbury talked quarterbacks to the media. Nic Shimonek is undoubtedly the starting quarterback for the Red Raiders this season. Mclane Carter will be the official backup and Jett Duffey will come in as the third string. When asked, Kingsbury didn't seem to concerned about getting Mclane Carter any playing time during Saturday's game against Eastern Washington. To paraphrase, Kingsbury says that Carter is a JUCO veteran who isn't just out of high school. I expect that Carter, being the more experienced quarterback, would be ready to take over if Shimonek goes down but if all goes well I wouldn't be surprised if we get to see a few snaps from Duffey this week. Kingsbury also said that the bye week will be helpful in Duffey’s development and I wouldn't be surprised if he earns the backup spot before the Arizona State Game. On another note, Xavier Martin is expected to redshirt this season.

3. STOCKTON WILL START AT RUNNING BACK.

Kingsbury also stated that Justin Stockton would be the starting back for the Red Raiders. Desmond Nisby will be in the rotation as well along with Demarcus Felton and Trey King. Stockton struggled last season however Kingsbury attributes that to poor offensive line play more than anything else. Demarcus Felton stood out last year with 354 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

4. TEAM CAPTAINS SELECTED.

The Red Raiders have selected seniors Nic Shimonek, Dylan Cantrell and Cameron Batson; and juniors Jah’shawn Johnson and Dakota Allen as the team captains for the 2017 season. The captains were voted on by the team. Shimonek is described by coaches as someone who will fight anyone no matter who they are and has no problem calling out a player when necessary. Dakota Allen comes back to Texas Tech after a season at EMCC following a burglary charge. Allen recorded 117 tackles with an interception and a fumble recovery last season with the Lions and comes back with a sense of maturity and leadership that is much needed on this team, particularly on the defense.