Texas Tech backup QB Cameran Brown promised a new role by coach Joey McGuire ahead of the 2024 season

The adage goes that the backup quarterback is often the most popular player on any team. However, with Lubbock’s own Behren Morton set to start for Texas Tech in 2024, that may not be the case in Raiderland. Despite this, QB2 Camran Brown will still play a vital role on the team and is expected to see significant action regardless of Morton’s performance.

The persistent issue for Texas Tech quarterbacks has been maintaining health, with the last QB to start every game in a season being Pat Mahomes in 2016. Over the past six seasons, Tech has had to start three different quarterbacks in at least one game for five of those years, making the backup and third-string QB roles crucial in West Texas.

The hope is for Morton to play a full season at 100%, but his injury history—missing several games in 2022 due to a high ankle sprain and playing through a sprained throwing shoulder last season—means nothing is guaranteed. Therefore, fans should get to know Brown, a transfer from West Georgia, as head coach Joey McGuire has indicated the sophomore will see the field every week.

“Really excited about Cam,” McGuire said at Big 12 Media Days. “He’s 6’2″, weighs 237 pounds, and understands that being a good quarterback involves both running and throwing the football. We want to incorporate him into the quarterback run game and use him in various ways. He’s a great athlete and brings a lot of personality and energy to the locker room.”

Offensive coordinator Zach Kittley is known for incorporating designed QB runs into his strategy. Last year, even the injury-prone Tyler Shough carried the ball 48 times in just over three games. In 2022, Morton, Shough, and Donovan Smith combined for 190 rushes, indicating that the QB run game will likely be featured again in 2024.

Morton, at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, is not ideally built to take on extra punishment from running the ball. Hence, Tech sought a mobile QB who could handle contact, finding that in Brown. Last season, Brown rushed for 478 yards and six touchdowns and threw for 914 yards and ten touchdowns in nine games (seven starts) as a true freshman at West Georgia. His impressive passing ability this spring secured him the No. 2 QB job over redshirt freshman Jake Strong and true freshman phenom Will Hammond.

Brown’s presence aims to keep Morton healthier by reducing the hits he takes. If Brown can provide an extra dimension as a power runner, it will allow Kittley to fully utilize his offensive strategy without exposing Morton to unnecessary risks. So, Texas Tech fans should get familiar with Cam Brown, as he will play a significant role throughout the season, depending on Morton’s health.

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