Good Morning Red Raider Nation,

Since Seth C. from Double T Nation  pretty much reported everything I wanted to, I will direct you guys to his site. I guess it’s true when they say the early bird gets the worm! Seth gave me a great compliment yesterday when he checked out my blog, and honestly, it felt awesome to know that I'm headed in the right direction.

With that being said, what I will do today though, is continue my own preview of each team and how I feel Tech will fare against each team. Note: These are my thoughts backed up with a little research and a personal analysis.

TCU

Random start, but two of my little brothers from my high school committed to TCU and this will be their first year in the program. I hope the best for those guys; Deante Gray and Bejamin Catalon III. By now, I assume everyone knows about the drug ‘scandal’ that hit TCU’s football program. If you do not, according to an article by Stefan Stevenson, 82 players tested positive for some type of drug use. I won’t get into all of that, but note that even starting QB Casey Pachall has recently admitted to drug use as well. I wonder what the program will do to him as far as punishment is concerned since other players were removed from the team and school. 

Assuming that he will be apart of the program, I suggest Texas Tech to not sleep on this team even with the concerns that TCU face at certain positions. They have a solid running game with a double headed dragon at the running back position. RB Waymon James (875 yards and 6 touchdowns) and Matthew Tucker (702 yards and 12 touchdowns) will be more than ready to make up for the loss of former RB Ed Wesley, who averaged 6.43 yards a carry in his 4 years with TCU. QB Casey Pachall had a solid season last year, and we can only expect improvement. I personally don’t believe his recent confession about his drug usage will effect his preparation for this coming season. He has a career average completion rate of 66.4% and in 2011 threw for just under 3,000 yards. They also have 2 returning wide receivers with impressive stats, so there's that. 

One of the problems that TCU face offensively will be a relatively new offensive line. Only two players are returning according Seth. They have OG Blaize Foltz and C James Fry coming back this year. Coach Anderson and Burns both have extremely creditable resumes, so I want to chalk this problem up as a semi-major concern (if that’s even a measurement). Also, the young secondary may cause issues for TCU. 3 out of the 5 starting DB's will be underclassman this year and Texas Tech has already shown great depth at the WR, RB, and in my opinion, QB positions. I think we'll give that 'mastered' 4-2-5 defense a run for its money. 

Overall, with the latest developments about Tech's secondary improving, and the d-line finding its new identity, I believe this game is definitely winnable. Hopefully, as an added bonus, TCU will be distracted that week considering it is their homecoming. Being an athlete myself, I know all to well the negative effect homecoming week can have on your teams preparations. I know it's college football, and that shouldn't be a problem. Hey, just don't put anything above us athletes. Homecoming can either really add to your game, or dramatically take away from your focus.

Progress

Well today was another hardworking day with the trainer, but today was more mental. My trainer kicked my butt with the workout, and after fighting past the pain, I asked myself, "Is it all worth it." You may or may not understand why I asked myself that, and if you don't, then let me explain. My environment does not allow me to only focus on training for football. I have other obligations. There are times when I get more mentally beat down than anything. Today, I did not feel 110% and (to me) it showed during my (resistance) workout today. I had a heart check basically, and I had about 30 seconds to make the decision on whether or not to continue down this road. Good news for you supporters, it only took me 10 seconds to line back up on the field and continue my drills. Yes, I faltered for a second ( I believe we all do) but I was taught too early in life, that if you want to be the best, "you have to be willing to sweat blood and suck up tears." (Mom) 

So I will make one promise on this blog. I will never stop or quit on my dreams (athletically or academically). God has brought me too far, and at the end of the day, I want my family to be proud of me. 

                                               I just have to stay hungry!

My little brother Kyle. He's ready to be a Raider!