Depth and talent are two things that have been in short supply for Tommy Tuberville since his arrival on the South Plains, leading to the two words rarely being used in a positive fashion.
With 16 surgeries taking place as a result of action in 2011, any semblance of depth was annihilated.
Nevertheless, if day one of the Red Raiders' 2012 fall camp was any indication -- that tide may be turning.
"We've got more talent, a lot more quickness," Tuberville said on Monday. "The big thing is that we've got more depth than what we've had -- but we've got a lot of room for improvement."
Coach Tuberville has been candid about his teams' limitations in seasons past, so it wouldn't seem naive to take him at his word with regard to his 2012 hopes.
Those hopes are high.
"We're looking for 3-deep," he said. "We're going to have a lot of competition this year for a lot of positions. We've got to add playmakers on offense and speed on defense, and I think we've done that."
Tech will be hoping for big contributions from JUCO newcomers (LB) Will Smith, (CB) Bruce Jones, and (WR) Javon Bell - in addition to underclassmen like (DT) Delvon Simmons, (LB/DE) Branden Jackson, (DE) Pete Robertson, and (LB) Sam Eguavoen, who are looking to take on more consistent roles this season.
All packing promise, but all working to realize potential first.
Regardless, talent alone won't right the Red Raiders' floundering ship.
In that vein, Coach Tuberville has emphasized playing as a team in 2012 -- something he doesn't believe was achieved with any great regularity a season ago.
It's an aspect Tuberville, entering his 17th season as a FBS head coach, has already seen improved upon as fall camp opens.
"We've got good leadership this year, I think the guys are really into it," he said. "I feel a lot more team camaraderie and there's more of a sense of urgency. We've got energy, which we need."
Tuberville has a resume that compares favorably to a number of highly successful college football coaches, past and present -- but two of his last three seasons on the sideline have ended with 5-7 records.
You can bet that sense of urgency is being felt from top to bottom.
The good news? A sense of urgency has yet to hurt the intentions of any football team in the history of ever.
Motivation is taken where it can be found, and if Tech has anything in ample supply heading into 2012 -- it's motivation.
The odds are typically with the hungrier dog in the fight, and just about every individual in scarlet & black these days is starved for success.
Make no bones about it, though -- Art Kaufman will need to make a night and day difference on the defensive side of the ball for a return to the postseason to be possible.
Neal Brown has offensive line issues to deal with and two reconstructed running backs to handle with care.
It's no lock that you'll see it unleashed on September 1st, but there does appear to be a new wave of talent lying in wait. Although, if or when the coaches will get that talent to show up on Saturdays remains as anyone's guess.
With two heralded recruiting classes just beginning to enter their respective "moments of impact" at this level, the window begins to open in earnest for the Tuberville era at Texas Tech.
Find anything you've missed from Double T 104-3's Fall Camp coverage right here, and keep checking back for updates as we count down to kickoff on September 1st.
