Texas Tech University Athletics
Guyton tabbed the Shaun Alexander Player of the Week
September 29, 2026 | Football
Guyton was named the nationโs top freshman after recording his first two career sacks versus Sam Houston
LUBBOCK, Texas โ Texas Tech freshman outside linebacker LaDamion Guyton was named Monday the Shaun Alexander Player of the Week, which recognizes the top performance by a freshman across the country.
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Guyton picked up his first collegiate honor after recording two sacks in Texas Tech's 49-14 victory last Saturday over Sam Houston. Both of Guyton's sacks came in a dominating second half where the Red Raiders blanked Sam Houston to improve to 4-0 on the season heading into their Big 12 road opener Saturday at Colorado.
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Guyton got home for the first time in his career in the third quarter, stuffing quarterback Landyn Locke on a first-down passing attempt that eventually led to a punt. He got to Locke again two drives later, shutting down a third-down attempt deep in Sam Houston territory. The two sacks were part of three tackles and a quarterback hurry in the win by the freshman.
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Guyton, at only 17 years of age, has impressed since making his debut a few weeks ago in Texas Tech's road win at Oregon State. He has totaled six tackles over his three appearances this season, while also adding a key fumble recovery in Texas Tech's conference-opening win over Houston.
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Guyton has also found a knack in creating havoc in the backfield, totaling six pressures thus far, according to Pro Football Focus, which ranks tied for fifth on the team. He has totaled all of those pressures the past two weeks with three against both Houston and Sam Houston.
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Guyton ranks as the fifth-youngest player in college football, according to research among college communications professionals. He is the second-youngest on the Red Raider roster, beating offensive lineman Jacob Crow by only a few months. Guyton joined the Red Raider football program at the start of preseason camp after graduating a year early from Benedictine Military School in his home state of Georgia.
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Guyton was considered the No. 1 recruit in the 2027 class prior to reclassifying to 2026, serving as another significant high school signee for the Red Raiders under head coach Joey McGuire and general manager James Blanchard. Even after reclassifying, Guyton still ranked as high as No. 6 among recruits nationally by ESPN.
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The Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Award is an honor presented annually to the most outstanding freshman in college football in collaboration with the Maxwell Football Club. Named after Shaun Alexander since 2018, the weekly award recognizes the exceptional performance and impact made by freshmen on their respective teams throughout the season.
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Guyton and the Red Raiders return to Big 12 play Saturday when No. 12 Texas Tech travels to Colorado for a 6:30 p.m. CT kick. Coverage can be found nationally on FOX and the Texas Tech Sports Network.
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Guyton picked up his first collegiate honor after recording two sacks in Texas Tech's 49-14 victory last Saturday over Sam Houston. Both of Guyton's sacks came in a dominating second half where the Red Raiders blanked Sam Houston to improve to 4-0 on the season heading into their Big 12 road opener Saturday at Colorado.
ย
Guyton got home for the first time in his career in the third quarter, stuffing quarterback Landyn Locke on a first-down passing attempt that eventually led to a punt. He got to Locke again two drives later, shutting down a third-down attempt deep in Sam Houston territory. The two sacks were part of three tackles and a quarterback hurry in the win by the freshman.
ย
Guyton, at only 17 years of age, has impressed since making his debut a few weeks ago in Texas Tech's road win at Oregon State. He has totaled six tackles over his three appearances this season, while also adding a key fumble recovery in Texas Tech's conference-opening win over Houston.
ย
Guyton has also found a knack in creating havoc in the backfield, totaling six pressures thus far, according to Pro Football Focus, which ranks tied for fifth on the team. He has totaled all of those pressures the past two weeks with three against both Houston and Sam Houston.
ย
Guyton ranks as the fifth-youngest player in college football, according to research among college communications professionals. He is the second-youngest on the Red Raider roster, beating offensive lineman Jacob Crow by only a few months. Guyton joined the Red Raider football program at the start of preseason camp after graduating a year early from Benedictine Military School in his home state of Georgia.
ย
Guyton was considered the No. 1 recruit in the 2027 class prior to reclassifying to 2026, serving as another significant high school signee for the Red Raiders under head coach Joey McGuire and general manager James Blanchard. Even after reclassifying, Guyton still ranked as high as No. 6 among recruits nationally by ESPN.
ย
The Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Year Award is an honor presented annually to the most outstanding freshman in college football in collaboration with the Maxwell Football Club. Named after Shaun Alexander since 2018, the weekly award recognizes the exceptional performance and impact made by freshmen on their respective teams throughout the season.
ย
Guyton and the Red Raiders return to Big 12 play Saturday when No. 12 Texas Tech travels to Colorado for a 6:30 p.m. CT kick. Coverage can be found nationally on FOX and the Texas Tech Sports Network.
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