Buzzmaster

  (4:19 PM)

We've got Joel!

Todd- Colorado Springs, CO

I know the offense is going to be good, but what about the defense?

Joel Filani

  (4:20 PM)

I think the defense will be pretty tough. We have a lot of seniors coming in. We have a couple of questions in the secondary, but we have a lot of young guys that are improving.

Ted (Lubbock, TX)

Which nickname do you like better Phenom or Baby Moose?

Joel Filani

  (4:21 PM)

I definitely have to go with Phenom. I got that my freshman year and it stuck with me. Baby Moose, I don't mind it too much

Paul (Nyack, NY)

Do you feel any pressure from the Pre-season reports that rank you as one of the best WR in College Football?

Joel Filani

  (4:22 PM)

We try not to think about it too much. It's nice to get some recognition, but we're just trying to work hard and stay focused. It'a all about Texas Tech.

Dru, Dallas

How do you think the new field turf and the flatter field crown will affect the team's performance next season?

Joel Filani

  (4:22 PM)

I think it will be an added bonus. I can see it right now and I think we'll be able to run faster. I think it will be an advantage toward us.

Joe

How are the red raiders looking to replace the do-it-all taurean henderson?

Joel Filani

  (4:23 PM)

We have a couple of young guys that are competing for that spot. I don't think you can replace a guy like Taurean, but they all have strengths and they'll be able to help us out so much.

Jeff and Dallas

How bad is Tech going to drum TCU and Tx AM this year?

Joel Filani

  (4:24 PM)

We'll see. TCU and AM are both good teams. We're both trying to go out and get the win.

Raz-Little Rock

Last year was a great year. Just how focused are the Red Raiders coming into this year? Did the loss to Alabama still sting?

Joel Filani

  (4:25 PM)

The loss to Alabama still stings, definitely. It was the last game we played. It definitely focused us for this year. We're excited and ready to play.

Charles, Dallas

I am a Tech alumni and season ticket holder, so with the continued success of Tech and the growing enthusiasm from fans and students, how crazy do you expect Jones AT&T getting this year during games?

Joel Filani

  (4:25 PM)

I expect it to get wild and crazy. We're going to have a great year. We're all ready to go out and have fun.

David, Fort Worth

Who do you think our starting QB will be this year?

Joel Filani

  (4:26 PM)

Right now Graham is probably ahead a little bit. But either or, I think we'll be fine.

Johnny, Austin Tx

With a younger and inexperinced QB, how much harder are the WR going to have work to help out the young QB. GO RED RAIDERS!

Joel Filani

  (4:27 PM)

I think it will go both ways. I think we'll have some experience, but if we can go out and get the ball, we can earn the trust that we can go out and make some plays for him.

Derek- Lubbock, TX

Talent-wise, do you think this will be the best team Tech has fielded in the past couple of years?

Joel Filani

  (4:28 PM)

I believe so. We have a lot of guys that have been here a long time. We're getting in a lot of talent and we're getting excited for the season. No extra pressure. We're just ready to get at it.

Jordan - Phoenix AZ

Do you ever get back out to Phoenix?

Joel Filani

  (4:29 PM)

Not as much as I would like to. I get to go back for a couple of weeks at the beginning of the summer and a bit here and there. It's my home town and I love getting back. But I don't mind Lubbock. It's grown on me.

Andy, Sachse, TX

Joel-What color will your hair be this season? Any new colors you plan to throw out? What is your most memorable game as a Red Raider?

Joel Filani

  (4:29 PM)

No. Just the natural color. No dye. I like the way that it is. I'll keep it that way.

Dru, Dallas

Do you see the lack of a bye week this season as a benefit or a something that the team will have to overcome?

Joel Filani

  (4:30 PM)

We haven't had the bye week since I can remember. I think as far as staying focus. It won't be good with the injuries, we won't have the chance to heal. But in terms of staying focused, it will help us stay ready mentally for the games.

Kip

How's working out at 5 in the morning? Does that get annoying?

Joel Filani

  (4:31 PM)

It's been a long summer. It keeps us disciplined. We're out there working hard and we know what's at stake and what we're working for.

Travis H, Lubbock TX

What is your favorite pre-game meal??

Joel Filani

  (4:32 PM)

We eat the same things. If we have a late game, we have some chicken and potatos. I'm more of a breakfast guy. I'll eat a lot at breakfast and lay off on the pregame meal.

Jay- Ada OK

How fun is it to play for Coach Leach?

Joel Filani

  (4:32 PM)

It's exciting every day. Coach Leach is an exciting guy. It's great because we have so much talent out there. Everyone can make plays. It's just exciting.

Paul (Nyack, NY)

With so much change at other positions on the team, how much does it help the team overall knowing that it is returning every starter from last year's receiving corps?

Joel Filani

  (4:33 PM)

As far as the receiving stand point, it gives us confidence. We've all played together for a long time. It helps our team comraderie so much

Scott (KC)

Toughest and easiest college stadium you've ever played in (other than Jones AT&T)?

Joel Filani

  (4:34 PM)

The toughest has to be Nebraska. It's the loudest. They're loud from the beginning to end. It was crazy to see them. A&M is always tough. Texas too. I really don't think that anyone is too bad. Everyone has their fans and is loud. Nothing's too bad.

7th grader(northwest)

do you have any pregame rituals or anything your team does in the pregame?

Joel Filani

  (4:35 PM)

Not too much. We all say our prayers. We have our routine with warmups. Then we all get in the middle and try to get excited. But nothing by myself for a pregame ritual.

Dru, Dallas

What game are you looking forward to the most next year and why?

Joel Filani

  (4:36 PM)

I'd say the OK State game. It's our last home game. Last year they beat us and we didn't play all that well. We'll try to go out with a win.

Bear, Austin

How was the playboy mansion?

Joel Filani

  (4:37 PM)

I didn't get to make it out there. My graduation was around the same time in May so I couldn't go.

Lance, Fort Worth

Is Mike Leach crazy?

Joel Filani

  (4:37 PM)

No.

Joel Filani

  (4:38 PM)

I wouldn't say crazy. I'd call him a character. He's very intelligent. He can be silly at times, but he's a good guy.

jay - lubbock

Who's the toughest DB in the Big 12?

Joel Filani

  (4:38 PM)

There all pretty tough. Every week, I have to step my game up and be ready to play.

Paul (Nyack, NY)

How much film do you watch during a regular week during the season?

Joel Filani

  (4:39 PM)

We watch film Sunday through Saturday. We'll watch more film on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are cutups and Saturday are just little things that they want us to watch for.

Joel Filani

  (4:40 PM)

I appreciate you guys logging on. I appreciate you guys and I'm looking forward to another exciting season.

Buzzmaster

  (4:40 PM)

Our thanks to Joel for chatting!