Graham Harrell

There are teams, coaches, and players that define an era in college football. Coach Mike Leach and the Air Raid offense changed offensive theory and philosophy during the first decade of the twenty-first century. From 2000-2009, coach Leach implemented his pass-happy scheme at Texas Tech and guided the Red Raiders to an 84-43 record over 10 seasons, including 9 bowl appearances. Among all quarterbacks Leach coached, none reached the heights that Graham Harrell did during his four campaigns in Lubbock, TX.

The numbers that Harrell produced are nearly unbelievable to a generation of fans who did not see the Red Raiders’ Air Raid attack. As a sophomore in 2006, Harrell took over the aerial assault and immediately made an impact. He passed for 4,555 yards and 38 touchdowns. In each of his last two seasons on campus, he recorded over 5,000 yards passing. In those two memorable crusades, Harrell completed 954 passes, over 70% of his throws, and tossed 93 touchdowns. In 2008, as a senior, he finished fourth in the Heisman voting, won the Johnny Unitas Award, and earned consensus All-American First Team. 

When Harrell’s career ended, he totaled 15,793 passing yards, which ranks fifth all-time in college football history, and posted a remarkable 134-34 TD:INT Ratio. He logged over 300 yards passing 33 times, more than 400 in 20 games, and over 500 yards three times, including a career-best 646 yards versus Oklahoma State in 2007. His remarkable stats and awards highlight his exceptional fantasy performances during Leach's offensive era.

In 2007 and 2008, Graham, Leach, and WR Michael Crabtree led the program to a 20-6 mark and invitations to the Gator and Cotton Bowls. Both Harrell and Crabtree are members of the College Fantasy Football Hall of Fame, and CFF diehards will never forget their amazing performances that defined an era and program.