Without a spring game or official roster to work with for the Mean Green, this is very subject to change, however, let's jump into what we can expect on that early September morning from the squad from Denton.
Familiar Faces on Opposing Sideline
Obviously there's a ton of Texas Tech flavor in this matchup with Eric Morris being the head man at North Texas alongside Tech's fired offensive line coach in Stephen Hamby joining the North Texas coaching staff this offseason.
On top of the coaching staff familiarity, a pair of former Texas Tech offensive lineman now play for UNT. Landon Peterson chose the Mean Green this offseason while Larry Moore, a 2020 recruit out of Missouri City is primed for his second season with UNT after transferring out of Tech after McGuire's first season.
Fresh But Familiar Face At Quarterback
The former Oklahoma and TCU signal caller who lost his job to Max Duggan during TCU's once in a generation miracle run and returned for an injury riddled 2023 season, Chandler Morris took his talents up I-35 this offseason and is likely going to be the starter for what should be his final season of eligibility.
Morris had a strong September for the Horned Frogs before getting hurt against Iowa State in early October, completing 65.5% of his passes while racking up 1,500+ yards, 12 TDs and five INTs last season.
Overall, a mixed bag at QB so far in his career, but has the chance to take the job for the Mean Green in year two under a familiar staff to Texas Tech.
Skill Positions
The skill, especially at wide receiver, is intriguing but will have plenty of work to replace new Kentucky receiver Ja'Mori Maclin who was the leading receiver for the Mean Green last season by a wide margin, posting over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.
UNT returns second leading receiver Damon Ward, who posted 487 yards and five touchdowns last season, playing with some pretty good acceleration into the second level.
North Texas also added West Virginia transfer Jeremiah Aaron who wasn't utilized after some early season run for the Mountaineers. An explosive athlete who has posted multiple high speed efforts on tape who could succeed at the lower level and will provide a bit of a challenge for Tech in the early season.
At running back, it will be a challenge to replicate the production of Ayo Adeyi who posted 1,000+ yards last season. The likely candiate to do so is Minnesota transfer Zach Evans, who saw 52 carries for 242 yards, a ball carrier who runs with some solid burst to the edge on outside zone runs.
Defensive Standouts
The North Texas team from last year is returning plenty on defense with a pair of senior linebackers back in the fold in Jaylen Smith and Jordan Brown leading the way (I am really hoping we get Jordan Brown tackled by Jordan Brown).
Ridge Texada, the former McNeese transfer, is back for another season after an uber productive season with the Mean Green last season where he garnered some All-America honors last season after a pick six and six pass breakups highlighting the stat sheet.
www.espn.ph
With a ton of turnover at the G5 level, the Mean Green did a really solid job of keeping things intact while also making some moves in the transfer portal to improve the roster, and it will be extremely interesting to see Morris one final time.
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Familiar Faces on Opposing Sideline
Obviously there's a ton of Texas Tech flavor in this matchup with Eric Morris being the head man at North Texas alongside Tech's fired offensive line coach in Stephen Hamby joining the North Texas coaching staff this offseason.
On top of the coaching staff familiarity, a pair of former Texas Tech offensive lineman now play for UNT. Landon Peterson chose the Mean Green this offseason while Larry Moore, a 2020 recruit out of Missouri City is primed for his second season with UNT after transferring out of Tech after McGuire's first season.
Fresh But Familiar Face At Quarterback
The former Oklahoma and TCU signal caller who lost his job to Max Duggan during TCU's once in a generation miracle run and returned for an injury riddled 2023 season, Chandler Morris took his talents up I-35 this offseason and is likely going to be the starter for what should be his final season of eligibility.
Morris had a strong September for the Horned Frogs before getting hurt against Iowa State in early October, completing 65.5% of his passes while racking up 1,500+ yards, 12 TDs and five INTs last season.
Overall, a mixed bag at QB so far in his career, but has the chance to take the job for the Mean Green in year two under a familiar staff to Texas Tech.
Skill Positions
The skill, especially at wide receiver, is intriguing but will have plenty of work to replace new Kentucky receiver Ja'Mori Maclin who was the leading receiver for the Mean Green last season by a wide margin, posting over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.
UNT returns second leading receiver Damon Ward, who posted 487 yards and five touchdowns last season, playing with some pretty good acceleration into the second level.
North Texas also added West Virginia transfer Jeremiah Aaron who wasn't utilized after some early season run for the Mountaineers. An explosive athlete who has posted multiple high speed efforts on tape who could succeed at the lower level and will provide a bit of a challenge for Tech in the early season.
At running back, it will be a challenge to replicate the production of Ayo Adeyi who posted 1,000+ yards last season. The likely candiate to do so is Minnesota transfer Zach Evans, who saw 52 carries for 242 yards, a ball carrier who runs with some solid burst to the edge on outside zone runs.
Defensive Standouts
The North Texas team from last year is returning plenty on defense with a pair of senior linebackers back in the fold in Jaylen Smith and Jordan Brown leading the way (I am really hoping we get Jordan Brown tackled by Jordan Brown).
Ridge Texada, the former McNeese transfer, is back for another season after an uber productive season with the Mean Green last season where he garnered some All-America honors last season after a pick six and six pass breakups highlighting the stat sheet.
Ridge Texada takes it 56 yards the other way for a pick-six - ESPN Video
Ridge Texada picks off a pass and goes 56 yards the other way for a score.
With a ton of turnover at the G5 level, the Mean Green did a really solid job of keeping things intact while also making some moves in the transfer portal to improve the roster, and it will be extremely interesting to see Morris one final time.
Founded by a Red Raider, All Hands Craft Cocktails is proud to announce their partnership with RedRaiderSports.com. Try these bar strength, ready-to-drink vodka cocktails at Jones AT&T Stadium this football season or find them at a retailer near you. Cheers.
@ALL HANDS
