The lingering effect from a knee injury has ended the playing career of one of Texas Tech's veteran defensive backs.

Senior cornerback Octavious Morgan will medically retire, Tech coach Matt Wells announced in a statement released on Friday afternoon. Morgan, who hasn't played since 2017, will continue to be on scholarship as he pursues his degree.

"It's unfortunate Octavious will not be able to finish out his career on the field," Wells said in a statement. "He is well-liked by his teammates and our staff, and our program wishes him nothing but the best as he finishes his degree."

In 2017, the former Butler (Kans.) Community College standout tallied eight pass deflections and 41 tackles in his lone season with Tech. Butler suffered his career-ending knee injury during a preseason scrimmage before the 2018 season.

Morgan's presence could have bolstered a Tech defense looking to improve under a new coach. Last year, the Red Raiders were fifth in the Big 12 in pass defense efficiency. Before Morgan arrived in Lubbock, Tech was ranked last in the conference during the 2016 season.