<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3waNe6_0tOSke8e00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3waNe6_0tOSke8e00" width="799" height="418" >Like any football team in 2024, <a href="https://247sports.com/college/texas-tech/">Texas Tech</a> has several players whose performance will be particularly critical to the squad's success. These players, whether by virtue of experience, leadership, importance of the position played, depth concerns, or sheer talent, are especially crucial. They may or not be the best players on the club, but they would be very conspicuous were they to be absent for any reason. In fact, that may be the best way to conceive of the critical players—they are the performers the team could least afford to lose.No. 156-foot-9, 270Tight EndSeniorKlein, <a href="https://247sports.com/college/texas/">Texas</a>There can be little doubt that the two best tight ends in Texas Tech history are All Americans <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/andre-tillman-41650/">Andre Tillman</a> and <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/jace-amaro-2383/">Jace Amaro</a>. But the number three tight end is far less clear. Candidates include James Hadnot who played the position as a freshman and sophomore, and Buzz Tatom, a fine receiving tight end in the early 80s. However, with an outstanding senior season, Mason Tharp would move squarely into that conversation. And it's just possible that will happen.Tharp, who is gifted with many NFL measureables, chiefly his 6-foot-9, 270 frame and excellent speed, has been a significant factor in Texas Tech's offense since his arrival in 2021. He played in 12 games as a freshman, 10 as a sophomore, and eight more as a junior.Now he also missed nine games in his first three seasons, but the absences were not because of a lack of talent or intangible failings on his part. No, they were due to injury. And therein lies the rub for Mason Tharp. He has missed a great deal of football because he's been unable to stay healthy. Had he avoided injury, it is likely he would already be regarded as the third best tight end in school history. And, perforce, if he is to take that next step, he must avoid the injuries that have hamstrung--so to speak--him heretofore.A fully and consistently healthy Tharp could make a big difference for Texas Tech's offense in 2024. The Red Raider receiving corps is hardly bedizened with real or potential superstars. There are a few competent returnees--Drae McCray, <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/brady-boyd-46082221/">Brady Boyd</a>, Coy Eakin--one frosh of influence (<a href="https://247sports.com/Player/micah-hudson-46114316/">Micah Hudson</a>)--and a pair of transfers who had many people hyperventilating in the spring (<a href="https://247sports.com/Player/caleb-douglas-46109936/">Caleb Douglas</a>, Josh Kelly). But no opposing defensive coaches on the 2024 slate will look at that group and shudder with dread. The opportunity, therefor, is there for somebody to step up and become the team's lead receiver.There is no reason Mason Tharp couldn't be that guy. He has always been big and fast enough, of course, but at the power conference level, that isn't enough. Particularly if you're a tight end. You've also got to be physical and tough, and Tharp arguably fell short in those areas for much of his first three seasons. However, last season he showed signs of possessing a harder bark. Tharp graded highly as a run blocker, ran routes more forcefully, and did not shy from contact after making a grab. Age and experience can beat a man down, or they can toughen him. It appears the latter has occurred with Tharp. That should stand him well in his final season of college football. That and a clean bill of health for every game. </div></body>

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Critical 20: No. 15, Mason Tharp

Like any football team in 2024, Texas Tech has several players whose performance will be particularly critical to the squad's success. These players, whether by virtue of experience, leadership, importance of the position played, depth concerns, or sheer talent, are especially crucial. They may or not be the best players on the club, but they would be very conspicuous were they to be absent for any reason. In fact, that may be the best way to conceive of the critical players—they are the performers the team could least afford to lose.

Critical 20: No. 15, Mason Tharp

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