After sitting out the entirety of the 2023-2024 college basketball season, Texas A&M forward Julius Marble has reportedly entered the transfer portal, according to On3, an unsurprising move to say the least. After transferring from Michigan State before the 2022-2023 season, Marble averaged 9.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in his first and now only season with the program.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Marbles’ sustained absence was due to a sexual assault charge dating back to last October, providing sad clarity to what was a confusing disappearance throughout the season.

On the court, Marble is an efficient scorer in the paint, shooting 59% from the field during his final year with the Spartans and 53.3% during his final year with the Aggies. Without speculation on what the future holds for the Dallas, Texas native, his current legal situation will likely affect how quickly teams begin to reach out regarding his playing future.

NEWS: Texas A&M forward Julius Marble has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, per @PeteNakos_

Marble averaged 9.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game this seasonhttps://t.co/BEMJFEOYbj pic.twitter.com/X74P1ewEUm

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— Transfer Portal (@TransferPortal_) April 29, 2024

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The importance of voluntary land stewardship and the role that forests play in Texas are the focus of this year’s Soil and Water Stewardship Week set for April 28 through May 5.

The theme of the statewide campaign is “May the Forest Be With You Always.”

The promotional efforts are hosted by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) and the Association of Texas Soil & Water Conservation Districts, as well as other organizations in Texas, including Texas Farm Bureau.

“Forests contribute immeasurably to the well-being of our communities, our state and the planet,” a campaign news release said. “Beyond producing oxygen and storing carbon, as well as being havens for biodiversity, forests play a crucial role in safeguarding our soil and water resources. They stand as protectors, preventing erosion, filtering contaminants and fostering healthy watersheds. This year’s theme invites us to appreciate the intricate relationship between soil, water and the abundant forests that shape our Texas landscape.”

Forest landowners are an important part of Texas agriculture. They work closely with their local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Texas A&M Forest Service to implement conservation practices that promote the health and sustainability of forests and forest ecosystems.

The goal of this year’s campaign is to shine a light on the forestry industry’s integral role in tandem with agriculture. The collaboration between these sectors is essential for maintaining the health of soil, water and forests. Recognizing their relationship is a step toward fostering sustainable practices that benefit us all, organizers said.

Privately-owned forests contribute significantly to the Texas economy and provide numerous environmental and social benefits.

Essential products made from trees include paper products, lumber, toothpaste, medicines and dyes.

Trees also offer habitat and food to birds, insects, lichen, fungi, mammals and reptiles.

In addition, trees increase quality of life through a relaxing effect, reducing stress. It doesn’t matter where you are—the forest is always with you.

In Texas, 11.7 million people get their clean surface drinking water from forests, organizers said.

This campaign aims to bring more awareness and support to voluntary land stewardship because the way we manage our resources on private lands directly impacts our natural resources.

Partnering organizations in campaign includes Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas, AgriLife Extension, Ducks Unlimited, Plains Cotton Growers, Texan By Nature, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council, Texas Association of Dairymen, Texas Conservation Association for Soil and Water, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Forestry Association, Texas Hemp Coalition, Texas Poultry Federation, Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association, Texas Water Resource Institute, Texas Watershed Steward Program, Texas Wildlife Association, The Nature Conservancy, Upper Trinity Conservation Trust, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and Water Grows.

The Texas Tech football program went into NFL draft weekend with one player sure to be selected and a few who profiled with late-round or undrafted free-agent grades.

That’s exactly how it worked out. The Arizona Cardinals drafted safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson in the fourth round, the Jacksonville Jaguars took defensive end Myles Cole in the seventh round and several Red Raiders came to terms on free-agent deals.

It was the eighth year in a row the Red Raiders had no more than two players drafted, and more of the same could be in store next year.

Running back Tahj Brooks looks like a good bet to be drafted in the middle rounds. No other Red Raiders are sure to be selected next year, though, when Green Bay hosts the festivities.

Here is a way-too-early look at the Red Raiders’ 2025 draft prospects, listed alphabetically and not necessarily all-encompassing.

More: Tahj Brooks, 8 others honored with Texas Tech football team awards

More: Cameran Brown earns No. 2 QB status after Texas Tech football spring game

Safety Julien (C.J.) Baskerville

Baskerville’s rangy at 6-3, 215, and Pro Football Focus gave him the highest grades of any Tech defensive player last year overall, as well as for defending the run and for tackling proficiency. He’s dealt with foot, toe, wrist and knee injuries, playing through pain as well as missing seven games the past two years.

By any name: Texas Tech football’s Julien (C.J.) Baskerville was a preemie. That didn’t hold him back in life or sports

Running back Tahj Brooks

Tech 5-10, 230-pound bell cow is coming off a season in which he carried 290 times for 1,538 yards, ranking second and fourth in the FBS. The Doak Walker Award semifinalist decided to stay another year based on feedback from NFL scouts and efforts from the Matador Club collective.

The website NFLDraftBuzz.com ranks Brooks the No. 11 running back for 2025 and the No. 113 overall prospect.

Inside Tahj Brooks’ decision to stay with Texas Tech football in 2024

Offensive lineman Davion Carter

Carter’s short at 6-foot and 295 pounds, but among FBS offensive guards last season, he received the sixth-highest run-blocking grade, the eighth-highest pass-blocking grade and the third best overall grade from Pro Football Focus. That was at Memphis, for whom he made 23 starts before transferring to Tech.

For Texas Tech football team, two offensive line spots generate fierce competition

Tight end Jalin Conyers

The former national top-250 recruit from Gruver spent a year at Oklahoma and three at Arizona State before coming back to West Texas. The 6-4, 265-pound Conyers has plenty of size to block, but he’s at his best as a receiver, catching 68 passes for 784 yards and five touchdowns the past two years.

Texas Tech football welcomes new fleet of tight ends as spring starts

Wide receiver Josh Kelly

Kelly came to Texas Tech after playing four years for his hometown Fresno State and one for Washington State. His 61 catches for 923 yards and eight touchdowns last season were career highs, and he impressed coaches and teammates this spring with his run-after-catch ability.

How Caleb Douglas, Josh Kelly connected with Texas Tech football

Cornerback Bralyn Lux

The Fresno State transfer had the second best overall grade among Big 12 cornerbacks last season by Pro Football Focus, scoring well both in pass coverage and defending the run. He’s undersized at 5-11, 185 and he’ll be under the gun with multi-year starting corners Malik Dunlap and Rayshad Williams completing their eligibility.

Bralyn Lux earns high praise in Texas Tech football’s first practice of the 2023 season

Offensive lineman Caleb Rogers

Pro Football Focus gave Rogers the seventh-best grade of 33 tackles in the Big 12 last season, but he’s moving inside for 2024 based on the recommendation of NFL evaluators. Rogers (6-5, 310) goes into his fifth season with 42 career starts, all at tackle.

Texas Tech football lineman Caleb Rogers sees his future being at center

Offensive guard Vinny Sciury

Sciury (6-4, 295) transferred from Toledo, where he started 33 games in a row at left guard and earned first-team all-Mid-American Conference recognition in 2023 on a team that finished 11-3. He received the 12th highest pass-blocking grade among FBS offensive guards from Pro Football Focus.

Transfer portal additions say Texas Tech football coaches have lived up to promises

Tight end Mason Tharp

There are 133 teams in the FBS, and Pro Football Focus gave Tharp the 11th-best run-blocking grade among all the tight ends last season. At 6-9, 270 pounds, he can move people, and it can take multiple defenders to drag him down after a catch. Health, especially concussions, are a red flag with Tharp having missed nine games the past three seasons.

Bowl berth gives Texas Tech football’s big boys another hunting trip to plan