Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville said he will be putting “special emphasis” on special teams this season.

Tech practiced punt returns for the first time this fall on Monday. Austin Zouzalik, Alex Torres, Eric Stephens and freshmen DeAndre Washington and Jakeem Grant took turns on the receiving end.

“We’ve changed some techniques,” Tuberville said. “Obviously we’ll have some different personnel. Last year we didn’t have enough depth to be good on special teams because most of those guys were starters.”

Grant said he liked what he saw from the special teams personnel Monday and hopes to be a part of the unit when the season begins next month.

“Coaches have me last, but I’m OK with that,” Grant said. “I have got to prove myself and let them know that I’ll be the best one for kickoff returns.”