A Junior Close Up (Part 2): Tevin Madison

Junior, Tevin Madison, is a defensive back and a key member of David Gibb's defense. As of now not too many people talk about Madison when discussing the Tech defense, but he has played many games for Tech ever since coming in as a young freshman. The future, however, is bright and full of opportunity for the Junior cornerback. Let's take a look at Madison's biography, his previous contributions for Tech, and what we can expect out of the Junior this coming season.

Madison is a product out of Fayette High School, which is a small 3A school in Fayette, AL. In high school he played both receiver and defensive back. He gained attention at both positions. As a receiver he tallied over 2,000 yards receiving his Junior and Senior year. As a cornerback he tallied five interceptions as a Senior returning one for a touchdown. He earned all-state honors as a Junior and Senior. As a Senior he was a 3A Back of the Year finalist in 2013. He was a three-star recruit, choosing Tech over Tennessee and Kentucky.

In 2014, Tevin came in and hit the ground running as a Freshman. He played in twelve games making seven starts. Overall he played well as a young freshman on a defense that was ultimately unstable in 2014 under little to no direction. Madison led all Freshman in tackles (56), tackles for loss (3), and pass breakups (7). Also, he made one interception against No. 24 Oklahoma. If you look at game-by-game stats of that season you will notice Madison either led the team in tackles or was pretty close every single game. He provided consistency to a struggling defense.

In 2015, Madison started all 13 games as a true Sophomore. He was the only Red Raider to start all 13 games at defensive back. Although Madison's stats didn't necessarily drastically improve, he did have a solid impact on defense. He had a big-time interception on the road at Arkansas. Without his interception the result of the game could have definitely been different as Tech won that game as you likely remember. Tevin made his second interception on the first play of the game against Iowa State at home. That play set the tone for what would eventually be a blowout victory for Texas Tech. He was a bright spot for what was a terrible defense against Oklahoma, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Tech defender, Jah'Shawn Johnson. On the road against Texas, Madison made a crucial sack that would eventually lead to a turnover on downs and a Texas Tech touchdown. He was fifth on the team in tackles and recorded two more interceptions. Also he recorded two forced fumbles and his first career sack as a Sophomore. Again, he didn't really boost his stats by a whole lot, but he made big plays and that is what good players do.

That leads to this coming season. What can this experienced corner do for a struggling Texas Tech defense? Well to make things a little better this is David Gibb's second year as defensive coordinator at Tech. Providing a consistency that hasn't been present at Tech for quite some time. Madison is a veteran member of the defensive backfield, which is the strongest part of Tech's defense. So there are some positives building up here. Also Gibbs is known for specializing with defensive backs and developing some great talent. Look at Houston's defense in 2014. Tevin, although somewhat undersized at 5'10 166, is very athletic and is capable of defending some of the best receivers in the Big 12. Which is what will likely be asked of the Junior the coming season. He defends well with his speed and jumping ability. I would like to see Gibbs be more aggressive with Madison and use him often in blitz plays. Madison has proven he is very capable of taking down running backs and quarterbacks alike. This would also fit his size and speed a little better.

Overall Tevin Madison has a bright future as a Red Raider defender. There is definitely room to improve but he has played in 25 games in just two years as a cornerback facing some of the best receivers and quarterbacks in the nation. In those games he hasn't disappointed as he has made big plays since stepping on campus. His experience will match an overall experienced defensive back group anchored by Juinor All-Big 12 (honorable mention), Justis Nelson. This group is expected to be the highlight of the Red Raider defense in 2016. Watch for him to make some plays out of the air and in the backfield as Madison looks to improve and build upon his legacy at Texas Tech.