By Ryan Mainville
9:00 a. m. 18 February 2022 CST
If Texas Tech’s defense wants to rewrite the narrative about itself, it wants to start from the beginning. The Red Raiders have been below average to put pressure on their opponents’ offensive line. This led to failures in the secondary, fatigue in the linebacker position and many opposing points. Now this defensive line organization will seek to calm this with new tensions against opposing teams.
Here’s a look at Texas Tech’s DL organization in 2022:
Key players: Tyree Wilson (Senior, 6-6, 275), Tony Bradford Jr. (Senior, 6-1, 290), Jaylon Hutchings (Senior, 6-0, 305), Philip Blidi (Junior, 6-3, 295).
Key losses: Nelson Mbanasor, Devin Drew (transfer).
Newcomers: Joseph Adedire (True Rookie, 6-3, 250), Trevon McAlpine (True Rookie, 6-3, 280).
The biggest unanswered question: Can Texas Tech replace its mediocre track record when it comes to passes?
Zarnell Fitch is one of the most underrated hires Joey McGuire has made to his staff this offseason. The former TCU defensive line coach takes on the same name at Texas Tech. last years. The Red Raiders have struggled to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks over the years, basically because of their three-man front. New defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter has run this program in the past, so Fitch will be guilty of educating his players to break the cycle.
Why 2022 production could be better: There’s a valid argument that Tyreek Wilson was the most productive player on Texas Tech’s roster last season. In thirteen games, Wilson finished with 38 tackles overall, thirteen. 5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Liberty Bowl fired Will Rogers twice and subjected him to constant pressure. Now Wilson is back in 2022 with more fun and more development. His physical structure alone is enough to cause trouble, but as the leading candidate to be next year’s line leader. , you may have your most productive year yet.
Why 2022 production may also be worse: Texas Tech will be informed of an entirely new defensive scheme under the direction of a new logo training staff. Red Raiders will want to be able to adapt and do it quickly. it may be a necessity for Texas Tech, but it can take time. This adjustment will only be more confusing if the two freshmen have shots on the line. The skill is there, but the adjustment could be difficult.
Overview: Wilson has the ability to be the conference’s defensive MVP, he’s so disruptive. But a running back on board probably wouldn’t be a solid defensive line overall. Texas Tech will need the production of every nose tackle, point runner and blitz to make it work this season. Hiring Fitch gives this organization great potential. The ability of young people is intriguing. The only thing to consider will be the intensity of the organization. But Texas Tech may have one of its most productive quick pass teams in a long time.
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Ryan Mainville, a blogger for Texas Tech Red Raiders. Covers Texas Tech for The Dallas Morning News.