LUBBOCK, Texas — Texas Tech is ending spring practice with quarterback Behren Morton, who was limited by a shoulder injury last season and had already been named a starter in 2024.
Coach Joey McGuire said Wednesday that the decision to close Morton was made with the juniors' health in mind and that they will resume soccer activities this summer.
Morton was a full participant in Texas Tech's first six spring practices through Friday. He threw for 140 yards and two touchdowns in the Red Raiders' first spring scrimmage.
The rest of the spring will be focused on finding a backup for Morton. Redshirt freshman Jake Strong played in three games last season and started against BYU, joining freshman Will Hammond and sophomore Cameran Brown, a transfer from West Georgia.
“As I've said for the past few months, we have to develop depth this spring, including at the quarterback position,” McGuire said. “This is a great opportunity for the rest of the quarterback room to compete to see who will be the next guy when we need it.”
Morton went 6-2 as a starter last season, throwing for 259 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-14 victory over Cal in the Independence Bowl.
Morton played most of the season with a shoulder problem after filling in for injured Tyler Shaw in a game against West Virginia in September. He completed 62% of his passes and recorded 15 TDs and 8 interceptions.
