Red Raiders ink free agency deals

In case you missed it in all the Free Agency frenzy, LB Micah Awe signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and LB Pete Robertson agreed to terms with the Seattle Seahawks. And we can’t forget Taylor Symmank, former Red Raider punter, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings.

Awe finished his reign at Tech with 126 tackles and 77 solo tackles. One of his many highlights included 14 tackles against West Virginia during in 2015. Awe was ranked 13th in solo tackles per game. Robertson’s stats included 13.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks and three quarterback hurries. He accounted for two sacks against Baylor during in 2014. Robertson finished his Tech season with an All-Big 12 honorable mention.

Tampa Bay has five weak positions to fill and those needs do not include linebackers. However, Micah Awe’s fundamentals make him a solid option on the depth chart. If he is capable playing a defensive end edge rusher, that would make all the difference in securing more playing time.

Even though the biggest strength for Seattle is their defense, Pete Robertson can make a difference when given the opportunity especially because Seattle lost LB Brock Coyle to San Francisco. Seattle’s current needs are focused on strengthening their offensive line.

Symmank career highlight included 401 punting yards against LSU in 2015. His longest punt is 68 yards against TCU in ’15. Symmank was ranked among the best punters in the country averaging 46.0 yards per punt during his 2015 season. The Minnesota Vikings have plenty of weaknesses that are evident. Consistency is what teams seek in the kicking game. And Symmank is consistent.

For a school that is definitely not known as a powerhouse defensive contender, it is interesting to see former Texas Tech linebackers continuing their football career at the next level.