Brandon Carter Texas Tech, CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Combining both strength and agility, Carter has emerged as one of the top offensive linemen in college football. A former standout at Longview Spring Hill, he has been honored as an All-American the past two seasons. Known for face paint that gives him a menacing look on game day.

AS MEAN AS HE LOOKS: “No doubt, on the field (he is),” Texas Tech offensive line coach Matt Moore said. “He plays with a chip on his shoulder. He’s out there to hit people as hard as he can and play as hard as he can. He’s the same way in practice. He just enjoys playing the game.”

DIFFERENT THAN THE REST: “He’s a different cat. He marches to a different drummer,” Moore said. “He’s a smart guy, can speak fluid German. He had one of the highest test scores coming in here as a freshman. He’s amazing. He understands the whole offense from an offensive line standpoint.”