Texas Tech running back Eric Stephens is the team's starter at tailback going into week one, but he is no longer the return man. Ben McRoy and Austin Zouzalik will return kickoffs this season.
Stephens is likely losing his return privileges because he's now the go-to running back, not because of his performance as a return man. He was third in kickoff return average in the conference last season and will now focus on his new starting role.