Texas Tech showcased its potential dominance along the line of scrimmage, with three Red Raiders named to the Lombardi Trophy preseason watch list.
LUBBOCK -- Another preseason watch list release meant another showcase of the talent for Texas Tech, as a staggering three Red Raiders found themselves under early consideration for the Lombardi Trophy.
One of college football's most prestigious awards, it is presented each year to the nation's most outstanding athlete along the line of scrimmage.
While this is primarily made up of lineman and linebackers, tight ends are also included in the pool of possible contenders.
And that small tidbit was especially notable for Texas Tech after its stellar tight end Terrance Carter Jr. landed himself on the list.
Carter has been a mainstay of attention, both inside Lubbock and across the country, ahead of his final collegiate season.
It is easy to see why, as the senior tight end was one of the surest hands in the sport last year during his debut with Texas Tech and his role only appears to have gotten bigger this time around.
For more traditional choices on the watch list, defensive lineman A.J. Holmes Jr. racked up yet another preseason accolade in the lead up to his swan song with the Red Raiders.
Since being named preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, Holmes has consistently been cited on various award watch lists, all-conference and All-America teams, which is a testament to the value he carries for Texas Tech.
It is unsurprising that Holmes was recognized for the Lombardi Trophy, but the honor still speaks volumes to the impact he could have across all of college football.
Last but certainly not least, linebacker Ben Roberts earned another honor of his own during an impressive campaign before his final outing.
Much his like fellow Red Raiders, Roberts has been consistently highlighted as one of the nation's top talents at linebacker and potentially on the entire defense following a solid performance a year ago.
While having to line up beside the legendary Jacob Rodriguez, Roberts still made a name for himself by bolstering the linebacker corps and peaked with the title of Big 12 Championship MVP after coming up in the biggest moments for Texas Tech.
Speaking of Rodriguez, he is very familiar with the Lombardi Trophy being the winner of the award last year and becoming the lone recipient in the history of Texas Tech.
With an impressive trio of Red Raiders back on the radar of those handing out the Lombardi Trophy, there could very well be a partner for Rodriguez in the history books of Lubbock by the end of the year.
