Texas Tech linebacker LaDamion Guyton has been named the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week after delivering a strong defensive performance in the Red Raiders’ 49-14 victory over Sam Houston.
The freshman edge rusher recorded three total tackles and two sacks in the win, with both sacks marking the first of his college career. His performance helped Texas Tech disrupt the Sam Houston offense and added another promising showing from a young player in the Red Raiders’ defense.
The Maxwell Football Club presents the weekly recognition throughout the 2026 college football season, highlighting freshmen who make significant contributions on offense, defense or special teams.
Guyton Records First Two Sacks of College Career
Guyton finished the victory over Sam Houston with two solo tackles, one assisted tackle and two sacks.
The sacks represented an important early milestone for the Texas Tech freshman. Both were the first of his college career and demonstrated his ability to generate pressure from the edge.
Texas Tech controlled the game on its way to a 35-point victory, with the defense playing a significant role in keeping Sam Houston from matching the Red Raiders’ offensive production.
Guyton’s ability to reach the quarterback contributed to that effort. For a freshman edge rusher, producing two sacks in a single game also provided an early indication of the role he could develop within the Texas Tech defense as the season progresses.
Maxwell Football Club Recognizes Freshman Performances
The Maxwell Football Club recognizes an outstanding college freshman each week during the 2026 season through the Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week award.
The weekly selection is based on overall performance, with players eligible for their contributions on offense, defense or special teams.
Freshmen do not have to appear on the Shaun Alexander Award preseason watch list to receive the weekly recognition. That allows emerging players who make an impact during the season to earn consideration regardless of their preseason profile.
Guyton earned the honor following a performance centered on his ability to pressure the quarterback and contribute to a dominant Texas Tech victory.
The weekly recognition also helps identify emerging players during the season ahead of the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
Texas Tech Freshman Makes Early Defensive Impact
Guyton’s performance against Sam Houston gives Texas Tech another young defensive player to watch as the Red Raiders move through their 2026 schedule.
The transition to college football can present a significant challenge for freshman defensive players, particularly edge rushers who regularly compete against older and more experienced offensive linemen.
Against Sam Houston, Guyton demonstrated an ability to make an immediate contribution. His two sacks were the headline numbers from his performance, while his three total tackles showed his involvement beyond simply rushing the passer.
His production came as part of a broader Texas Tech effort that resulted in a 49-14 victory. The Red Raiders established control of the matchup and prevented Sam Houston from generating enough offense to remain competitive.
Guyton’s first two career sacks now provide a benchmark as he continues his freshman season.
Weekly Honor Highlights Emerging College Football Talent
The Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week recognition places Guyton among the young players attracting attention during the 2026 college football season.
By considering performances across all three phases of the game, the Maxwell Football Club’s weekly program provides an opportunity to recognize freshmen who are beginning to establish meaningful roles with their teams.
For Guyton, the honor follows a breakthrough performance as a pass rusher. His two sacks against Sam Houston marked the first of his college career and contributed to a decisive Texas Tech victory.
As the season continues, Guyton will have an opportunity to build on that performance and expand his role within the Red Raiders’ defense.
