Texas Tech RB Cam’Ron Valdez Withdraws Name from Transfer Portal
Sometimes the best players available in the portal are the ones you already have. Texas Tech running back Cam’Ron Valdez elected to withdraw his name from the transfer portal on Monday and return to Lubbock for the upcoming season.
Valdez announced his decision to enter the portal back on December 9, but after finishing off his junior season with a win in the 2023 Independence Bowl, the Texas native elected to withdraw his name and return to Texas Tech.
Valdez was a big piece of Joey McGuire’s rushing attack in 2023 totaling 40 carries for 250 yards and one touchdown during his sophomore season. Despite averaging an impressive 6.3 yards per carry, Valdez didn’t see the field much because of the stellar play of senior RB Tahj Brooks.
Coming out of high school, Valdez was listed as a three-star prospect by the 247Sports index as well as the nation’s 473rd-ranked prospect. He also checked in as the 32nd-ranked running back in his class and the 69th-ranked player in the state of Texas.
National Scouting Analyst Gabe Brooks spoke on Valdez’s upside as a member of the Red Raiders saying, “Valdez owns an adequate build for an FBS running back prospect, and was a productive back with big numbers at the Texas 3A level. He shows above average foot quickness in the hole, runs with good vision, and pad level. He is a strong runner who runs hard and finishes chances. Valdez is at his best getting downhill ASAP and running north-south or in one-cut situations.”
Texas Tech will now have a new spot to fill ahead of the 2024 season, but with this offseason shaping up to include one of the busiest portal cycles in college football history, Joey McGuire should have some options available for replacement.
While senior running back Tahj Brooks has already announced his plans to return to Texas Tech in the fall, the combination of Brooks and Valdez should be a great tool on the path to Texas Tech contending for a Big 12 Title in 2024.
