LUBBOCK — Texas Tech University quarterback Will Hammond took the transition from high school to college in stride.
While his Hutto High School classmates count the days until their graduation, the former Hippo recently wrapped up spring camp with the Red Raiders.
Hammond, who enrolled in college a semester early to get a head start with his development, described his experience as a blessing.
“This is everything I ever hoped for,” Hammond said. “Growing up, I never had a college football team that I was a fan of. I just loved watching the quarterbacks. Arriving here on campus and really being a part of it is honestly greater than I ever imagined.”
The Hutto alum had to take college courses, study the Texas Tech playbook and form bonds with his teammates in simultaneous fashion.
Hammond was named student-athlete of the month for the football team in his first month of schoolwork.
“I think I’ve been able to adjust really well,” Hammond said. “I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by good coaches who have helped me along the way.”
Hammond was a record-breaking quarterback in high school, but he’s largely expected to start his college career on the bench. Behren Morton, who started most of the season last year, returns to Lubbock for at least another year.
Nevertheless, the freshman gunslinger said he is not worried about his current placement and is instead focused on working to improve.
“I’ve actually loved the drive that being buried in the depth chart gives me,” Hammond said. “Every day there’s always something that you’re working towards, whether you’re the guy or not. You always have to get better.”
Texas Tech held its Spring Game Saturday, April 20, which served as the program’s 15th and final practice for the semester. The scrimmage put teammates against each other in an environment that simulated a game environment.
Hammond threw two touchdowns and one interception in the first half of the matchup.
His performance caught the attention of Texas Tech Head Coach Joey McGuire, who said Hammond “operated really well.”
“I thought early in the game, Will was really on the mark,” McGuire said. “I could be wrong, counting the interception, I don’t know if the ball hit the ground in the first half when he was out there.”
The interception Hammond threw was only his fourth throughout the entire 15 practices, the coach said.
Hutto Head Coach Will Compton, who visited the Texas Tech facilities in April, said he thought coaches were impressed with Hammond’s play.
Compton said his former player’s arm strength, accuracy, athleticism, leadership and decision-making gives Hammond a great chance to succeed in college football.
“He processes things just a little bit different than other players I’ve had before,” Compton said. “When his time comes as a quarterback at the next level, it’s only a matter of time, the sky’s definitely the limit for that guy.”
