LUBBOCK, Texas -- Sophomore starting offensive lineman Brian Thomas and sophomore safety Urell Johnson have left Texas Tech.

The 6-foot-3, 319-pound Thomas was a two-year starter at guard, but coach Tommy Tuberville says he was sliding down the depth chart because of conditioning and medical issues.

Tuberville says Johnson was leaving to transfer to Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss., to be closer to New Orleans, his hometown.