LUBBOCK, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 02: Behren Morton #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates after a touchdown during the first quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at Jones AT&T Stadium on November 02, 2023 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Getty Images)

Red Raider: Behren Morton, QB, Texas Tech

June 28, 2024 | William Yanish | Articles

Reading Time: 3 minutes

LUBBOCK, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 02: Behren Morton #2 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders throws a pass during the first quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at Jones AT&T Stadium on November 02, 2023 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Getty Images)

Texas Tech quarterback (QB) Behren Morton might be a name that you haven’t heard of, yet.

In case you haven’t…

He’s one of the highest-recruited QBs in Texas Tech history.

As a prospect groomed for greatness, just down the road from the University of Texas, he has now been put in a position to snatch his dreams out of the sky.

Background

The six-foot-two, 215-pound Morton was a four-star recruit from Eastland Texas according to 247Sports.

On his way to Texas Tech, he had snubbed home-state offers from Baylor, TCU, SMU, and Texas A&M. He also had a few from out-of-state.

After seeing some action in 2022 for the Red Raiders (96/169 (56.8%, 1,117 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions), Morton wasn’t even supposed to start in 2023 as QB Tyler Shough was given the position heading into 2023. However, an injury to Shough put Morton into the lineup.

As we dive head first into his skillset, let me say, that there were flashy moments, but also some ‘what were you thinking’ moments as well.

His 2023 stats (playing in 10 games with eight starts)

182 completions
293 attempts (62.1%)
1,754 yards
15 touchdowns
Eight interceptions
Four rushing touchdowns

Morton ended his season on a high note as the Offensive Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Radiance Technologies’ Independence Bowl in a 34-14 win over CAL.

In that game:

27 completions
43 attempts (62.8%)
256 yards
Three touchdowns
One interception

Outside of a three-interception whooping by No. 7 ranked Texas (57-7), Morton hung tough throughout the season. He and his team defeated No. 16 Kansas in a hard-fought 16-13 game (lone victory versus a ranked opponent).

It was revealed after the season that Morton suffered a grade-3 AC sprain in his throwing shoulder in their Sept. 23 game at West Virginia.

Given that injury…his health will remain a question mark until we see him in action again.

The Yanish Report

Requisite height with a lean, athletic build. Footwork and overall mechanics speak. Winner mentality. Sneaky mobile. Thrives in the short-to-intermediate passing game with consistent accuracy. Throws well on the run. Clean form even when spooked. Dangerous in off-schedule situations. Capable of varying arm angles, as needed. Live arm. Vulnerable to batted balls at the line of scrimmage because of slingshot motion. Get the ball OUT! A knack for off-platform throws. Improv plus. Tough as a well-done steak. Uses arm angles to his advantage, to where defenders will not see him start up his throwing motion. No quit. Gunslinger. Respected teammate. Leader of men.

For the win

Morton’s pocket presence is a work in progress. His recklessness leads to turnovers and stalled drives. That concern will only intensify at the NFL level if he doesn’t clean that up.

If he can harness the gunslinger mentality, he could become a coveted asset among hungry offensive coordinators at the next level.

In a world of playground dropbacks, Morton is a prospect that stamps down a cold, calculated design with wild wild thoughts inside those eyes.

Morton’s arm talent is a rare commodity.

With proper coaching and development, he can become a top-tier signal-caller.

If Morton were to declare for 2025, he would likely end up a Day Two draft pick. A team like the Seattle Seahawks or Los Angeles Rams could snap him up for an heir apparent to their respective starters.

He has the potential to become a household name in the NFL. I am excited to see him this season.

For now, he remains an intriguing project, and with Shough transferring to Louisville, Morton has a true chance to shine this year at Texas Tech.

My BIG three questions

1. Can he correct the unnecessary sacks and self-inflicted wounds?

2. Will we see proper growth without any stalling out?

3. Can he win the first Heisman Trophy in Texas Tech history?

Pro comparison: A smidge less accurate version of former Washington Huskies’ QB Michael Penix Jr.

My 2025 NFL Draft Value: Fourth Round

Would I draft him: Yes

2022 Game film evidence Texas Tech (Jersey No. 2)

Oklahoma State

2023 Game film evidence Texas Tech (Jersey No. 2)

Houston

Kansas State

TCU

Kansas

Texas

CAL

William Yanish III is a lifelong football fan. He’s from the little town of Crawford, Colorado. Along the way, he’s lived in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and Brookings, Oregon. Quarterback Joe Montana was his idol growing up. A little bit of CTE from life’s adventures killed his dreams as a football player. Now, he is an aspiring writer and Draft Analyst at FirstRoundMock.com. He’s a fanatic with a dream, which is coming true.