Morton reflects on recovery and prepares for Kansas State
Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton spoke with the media about his recovery and the preparation leading up to Saturday’s game at Kansas State. After missing time, he emphasized how important it was to get his body right. “I’m feeling good. It’s been nice to have a couple weeks to really get my body back right. Excited about Saturday,” Morton said.
He explained that time away gave others opportunities. “It sucks for me to miss a couple weeks, but that brought opportunities for other guys to have time and do what they need to do. I’m really proud of this team and the way we’ve stepped up depth wise.”
Supporting teammates during his absence
Morton stayed engaged with the offense while injured. He spoke highly of Mitch Griffis and Will Hammond. “It’s just the next guy up. Mitch was ready. We knew he was gonna be ready. Will, I hate it for him. He’s a great kid. He’s gonna attack the training room and be fine,” Morton explained.
He also reflected on Griffis’ return. “Mitch has such a unique story. For him to get that opportunity last Saturday, I was fired up for him. For him to actually go out there and play the game that he loves, I was really happy for him.”
Preparing for Kansas State’s defense
Looking ahead to Kansas State, Morton focused on the importance of starting fast. “They’re playing at a high level right now. We’ve got to start fast and establish the run game early, relying on our two great backs to set the tone. Once they want to put a few extra guys in the box, we got weapons,” Morton said.
He acknowledged the turnovers Kansas State has forced but remains confident. “At the end of the day, there’s not enough guys on defense that can stop our offense. It comes down to me just getting the ball to playmakers and letting them do the work.”
Mental approach and leadership
Morton described the frustration of injuries but also his determination to respond. “It seems like I can’t catch a break, but that’s part of the game I chose. I’ve seen ways people have responded. Being a coach’s kid, I’m gonna get off the mat every time and keep fighting,” he said.
He leaned on his teammates and staff during recovery. “Everyone in the facility has my back. I’m thankful for the weeks I’ve gotten off. At the end of the day, I’m back to feeling really good and excited about Saturday.”
Chemistry with receivers and readiness to return
Morton confirmed that while he missed game action, he stayed active in practice. “It was a lower body injury, so for the last two weeks I’ve been moving around at practice, still getting throws with CD, Reggie, TC. I feel like I’ve missed games, but I haven’t missed practice as much,” Morton said.
When asked about throwing strength, he said he feels 100%. “That first week I was sore, but going back to last week of practice I was out there in shoulder pads, ripping it. I was 100% going then, and this week’s practice is going to be a good one.”
Keeping the big picture in focus
With Kansas State looming, Morton believes the team’s goals remain in front of them. “We’re right where we want to be. We have everything in front of us. This team got punched in the mouth against Arizona State, and the way we responded last week is credit to Coach McGuire and what he preaches every day,” he said.
A win over Kansas State would carry extra meaning. “They’re playing their best football of the year right now. It’s gonna be awesome. The atmosphere is gonna be great. But at the end of the day, the ball is going to get spotted, and I know who’s on our team. We can’t play timid. We’re going to bring it Saturday.”
Final thoughts
Morton’s perspective shows both resilience and leadership. After two weeks on the sideline, he is eager to return and lead Texas Tech against Kansas State, a program that has historically been a tough opponent for the Red Raiders. His confidence stems not only from his own renewed health but also from the way teammates like Mitch Griffis stepped in when needed. Morton also pointed to the steady influence of Joey McGuire and the team’s ability to rally after adversity as proof that this group is built to respond. With trust in his teammates and faith in the coaching staff, Morton believes the Red Raiders are positioned to seize the moment in Manhattan and keep their Big 12 goals alive.
Join the conversation with other Red Raiders on the Inside The Double T forum.
Subscribe today to get the most in-depth Texas Tech sports and recruiting coverage.
Follow us on X: @RedRaiderSports
Like and follow us on Instagram @rrs_rivals & like us on Facebook.
