Texas Tech signs QB Mahomes, AP's best player in state in 2013; aimed to bolster defense

Texas Tech shored up its thin roster at quarterback by signing one of the state's best high school players in 2013.

Coach Kliff Kingsbury added 25 players Wednesday, including three junior college players who enrolled last month.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the son of a former pro baseball player, threw for 3,587 yards with 41 touchdowns and just four interceptions last season. In December he was named the Texas Associated Press Sports Editors football player of the year.

Quarterbacks Baker Mayfield, Michael Brewer and Clayton Nicholas have left the program. Mayfield and Davis Webb, who looks to be the top quarterback going into spring, split starts last season.

Texas Tech was also looking to bolster its defense after giving up more than 200 yards rushing per game in 2013.