Texas Tech is set to have its newest offensive weapon available when the Red Raiders open the season tonight against Abilene Christian in Lubbock.
Florida State transfer Tommy Castellanos, a fifth-year senior who has been with the program for less than two weeks, will be eligible to play after receiving a court injunction. According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Castellanos has completed the required acclimation practices and is cleared for the opener. Nakos also reported that the NCAA sought emergency relief from the injunction earlier today, but that effort was denied, removing the last obstacle to Castellanos taking the field right away.
“QB/WR Thomas Castellanos will be available for Texas Tech's season opener Saturday after completing the required acclimation practices, sources tell @On3.
The NCAA was denied emergency relief in the case earlier today.”
For Texas Tech, the expectation in Week 1 is modest. Castellanos was listed as the No. 4 quarterback on the team’s first depth chart, and the Red Raiders are not expected to lean on him heavily against Abilene Christian. He may only see a few snaps as he continues learning the offense.
That depth-chart spot is more about his arrival than his ability. Once he gets a better handle on the playbook, Castellanos is expected to move up to No. 2 behind Will Hammond.
Even in a reserve role, Castellanos brings real value. He has 32 career starts at the FBS level, and head coach Joey McGuire has already said he plans to get him on the field every week. The dual-threat quarterback is viewed as a potential difference-maker, especially in the red zone, where his running ability and knack for making defenders miss could give Texas Tech a boost after its struggles scoring touchdowns inside the 20 last season.
Barring something unexpected, tonight is more about getting Castellanos comfortable than asking him to carry the offense. Texas Tech should use the opener as a chance to give him some live reps while he settles in as a Red Raider. Still, the sight of another explosive playmaker in scarlet and black should be plenty to get fans paying attention.
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