However, his memory is kept alive in part by the Texas Tech football program. Luke’s favorite number was the No. 3 and since McGuire has been head coach in Lubbock, that number has been given only to players worthy of it.
Last year, linebacker Bryce Ramwas awarded that number after he worked his way back onto the field following a horrific broken leg suffered at NC State in September of 2022. Ramirez will once again don the No. 3 this year but now, he’ll share that honor with Kelly.
This move is a testament to just how much of a leader Kelly has proven to be since joining the program this offseason. To have earned this honor in such a brief time shows what a leader and a role model Kelly is for his teammates.
It doesn’t hurt that Kelly is an excellent player as well. Last season, he hauled in 61 passes for 923 yards and eight scores in 12 games and for his career, he’s caught 148 balls for 2,228 yards and 12 TDs.
This year, it will be expected of Kelly to lead the revamped Texas Tech wide receiver corps on the field. He’s the most accomplished receiver on the roster and he’s a super-senior meaning he’s been around the college football block a few times.
However, it now appears that he will be looked to as a leader in the locker room as well. Tech doesn’t hand out the No. 3 to just anyone so by giving it to Kelly, McGuire is telling everyone that his newest go-to receiver is also one of his go-to people within the program.