‘Other’ Ricky Williams hopes to back up name By Jay Saunders Staffwriter Editor’s note: This is the third story’ of an 11-part series exploring Nebraska s opposing football teams in the Big 12 Conference. Texas Tech Coach Spike Dykes is seeing Ricky Williams coming and going. x The Heisman-Trophy-winning Ricky Williams from tile University of Texas has gone to the NFL, and will no longer be able to wreak havoc on the Red Raider defense. But Tech also returns a star back with the same name. Often called “the other” Ricky Williams, Tech’s Williams was able to hold his own last season. As a sophomore, Williams rushed for 1,582 yards - second best in the Big 12 Conference. “All (Williams) has done, he’s done himself,” Dykes said. “Old Ricky’s done good.” Despite the impressive numbers, Williams lived in the shadow of the Heisman Trophy winner. This season, Williams is the Big 12’s leading returning rusher. Last year, Williams averaged 143.8 yards on the ground and was a second-team All American. Despite the name, this Ricky Williams didn’t get a lot of national spotlight. So this year, Williams said he is hoping the numbers will speak for themselves. “I’m happy (UT’s Williams) is gone,” Williams said. “He’s a good back, and he helped me make a name for myself. All I can do is back up the name on the field.” Williams said he bulked up this year to absorb the hits he took last season. Tech’s offense relied on Williams for nearly 30 carries per game. This season, Williams may get some help from senior Sammy Morris. Morris is listed as a fullback, but Dykes said he may see time at tailback as well. “Two good backs are better than one,” Dykes said. “If (Morris) can have a good year, he can help our football team.” After having various injury prob lems last season, including a thumb injury on the eighth play of the year, senior Rob Peters returns to take over the quarterback spot full time. But though the backfield remains mostly intact from last season, the Red Raiders will have to replace big names on both sides of the ball. Donnie Hart was Tech quarter backs’ favorite target as a senior a year ago. The second team All-Big 12 selection led Tech in all receiving categories last year. Montae Reagor, who racked up 96 tackles and seven sacks, earning first-team All-America honors, will also have to be replaced. But despite the losses, Dykes remains hopeful his squad will improve its 7-5 record from a year ago. Last season, Tech had a fast start, winning its first six games, but in the thick of the conference schedule, the Red Raiders ran into three straight ranked teams. They lost each game - by a com bined total of 11 points. “Last year was kind of close but no cigar,” Dykes said. “Being com petitive is good, but we have to fix the holes in the dam. “We had a chance to win every game. So either we’re getting better, or they’re getting worse,” he said. ■ 6