The Texas Tech Red Raiders go into the 2016 season without their leading rusher and receiver from the 2015 season.

Tech also lost key defensive players from 2015 like linebacker Dakota Allen, who was dismissed from the team before spring practice began, and Branden Jackson and Pete Robertson on the defensive line.

However, the Red Raiders will have breakout junior quarterback Patrick Mahomes back on the field in 2016.

Here are five potential players who could burst onto the scene for the Red Raiders in 2016 like Mahomes did last year:

1. Justin Stockton, Jr., RB. The Red Raiders will need Stockton to step up big in 2016 following the departure of former running back DeAndre Washington. Stockton has been on the team since the 2014 season but will finally get a crack at the starting position for Tech. Stockton has open field speed and can also pose a threat in the pass game. Mahomes will look toward Stockton to be productive in order to find success on the ground. Stockton had a total of 61 carries in 2015 for 367 yards and five touchdown runs. For him to break out he will have to manage a much higher workload. If Stockton can manage a high number of carries, then look for him to break out in the backfield for the Red Raiders.

2. Derrick Willies, Jr., WR. With Jakeem Grant now in the NFL, the Red Raiders will look to others to fill the talent that Grant showed at the receiving position. Willies, a JUCO transfer, could be a potential replacement. Willies showed off early to Tech fans when he successfully jumped onto a 60-inch box with a weighted vest on and from a sitting position. Willies was a top receiver last season at the JUCO level and will look to be as successful at the Division 1 level. Willies could be a big threat on the outside for Mahomes to target. Willies has also been at camp since spring and has had a lot of time getting familiar with his teammates. Look for him to be a playmaker for Tech on the outside.

60' sitting box jump with a 10lb vest. Can I get a jump ball @PatrickMahomes5 ????? pic.twitter.com/X1ZWIvNwRw — Derrick Willies (@derrickwjr) March 27, 2016

3. Gary Moore, Jr., DE. Moore is returning on the defensive line this season for Tech after finishing second on the team in total sacks with three despite only playing in 11 games. Moore was originally a receiver coming into his redshirt freshman year in 2013 but was converted to defensive end because of his size and athleticism. Moore has yet to be a primary starter for the Red Raiders but hopes to break that cycle this season. Moore will be a veteran asset for Tech with a young defensive line. Breiden Fehoko will be the only returning starter in the trenches for Tech in 2016. Moore could be a valuable tool from his play to his leadership not only for the defensive line but for the Tech defense.

LAWRENCE, KS - OCTOBER 17: Cameron Batson #13 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders drives past the Kansas Jayhawks defense during the game on October 17, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images) (Kyle Rivas / Getty Images)

4. Cameron Batson, Jr., WR. Batson will serve as the starting punt returner for Tech this season for the third consecutive season. However, he has an opportunity to replace Grant on the offensive side of the ball in the slot position, and maybe even as a kick returner. Batson was one of the fastest players on the team in spring ball. He caught 29 passes for 327 yards in 2015 including one touchdown. With his speed and more playing time, Batson could emerge as a speedy target for Mahomes. He will be a good matchup inside for the Red Raiders as they will see the addition of Willies on the outside and the return of Dylan Cantrell who will be coming back from an injury suffered in 2015. Batson was also named to the 2015 Academic All-Big 12 team first team with a 4.0 GPA, which made him one of three players in the conference to do so, according to texastech.com.

5. Luke Stice, Sr., LB. Stice makes his return to West Texas after playing for the University of Houston since 2012. Stice will be a graduate senior in the fall at Tech. Stice is from Midland and played high school football at Midland Lee. In 2011, Stice was selected as the district 3-5A defensive player of the year. Originally, Stice was projected to be a backup linebacker, but with the dismissal of Dakota Allen, Stice could potentially be a starter for Tech. If he is not a starter, look for him to still see plenty of playing time for the Red Raiders. Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury said Stice has been terrific in spring camp not only by his playing ability but as a leader. Kingsbury said he believes Stice is going to have an immediate impact on the defensive side of things for Tech in 2016.