:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61780823/usa_today_11421815.0.jpg)
Texas Tech having a good defensive unit; no way, at least not for the Red Raiders. When you think of West Texas defense in the past, never ever would you think Tech would be in the mention.
We saw the defense do remarkable things this season like forcing two fumbles as well as intercepting the ball four times against TCU to give the Tech offense the chance it needed to win, 17-14.
The defense just hasn't been up to par every year, and lets admit it, it’s fun to say the Red Raiders aren't near last in total defense this season.
Tony Jones:
This kid is no joke. The senior linebacker may be under the raider for some Red Raider fans, but those fans are fools.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9626825/usa_today_10319973.jpg)
Last season, in Jones debut as a Red Raider, he put on a show with two tackles and shared the league Conference high with two fumble recoveries, and recorded a sack. Oh, did I mention he played so well, that he was tied for 26th in the nation in fumble recoveries?
In his fives games played, Jones has 13 solo tackles and 11 assists and is second on defense in total tackles with 24. He’s also known to disrupt the offense like a monster by recording three sacks for a loss of 20 yards.
Yeah, Jones hasn't performed like last season, but there’s still six regular season games left and I bet Jones will show us something special in these upcoming games.
Jah’Shawn Johnson:
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13148615/1038194780.jpg.jpg)
By the beard of Zeus, we finally have what I believe is to be one of the Texas Tech best defenders. He’s fast, he breaks up passes, and if the ball lands in his hands you can pretty much expect him to find a way in the endzone.
However, he’s only seen two games compared to competing in all 13 games last season. In fact, during those 13 games, Johnson made a name for himself as he ended the year ranked 36th nationally for solo tackles per game and 120th in total tackles per game. Not a small feet.
In his two games played this season, the senior defensive back has five solo, 4 assists and nine total tackles. Not to mention his speed to force one quarterback hurry.
With Jonson in the backfield against wide receivers, Texas Tech fans can feel confident in him holding down his position.
Dakota Allen:
Dakota Allen. When I hear his name, I get chills. This isn't just a young adult who played football, made a mistake, and never learned from it. This guy is what it means to be a Red Raider; rising above adversity and showing you can still ball out at the highest level of college football.
And him being from the 940, I purely want Allen to succeed.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13159529/usa_today_11228782.jpg)
I think its proves to be a team oriented, intelligent player who loves the game to be named captain after coming back from Juco. That says a lot.
I think It also says a lot that he leads the team with 21 solo tackles, 16 assisted and leads the defensive unit with 37 total tackles. Just like he led the team last season. This man is a dog.
If I was the quarterback behind any offensive line, Allen would scare me to death. Seeing his strength come at you full throttle is not something I want to deal with. Good luck Big 12 quarterbacks.
Jordyn Brooks:
When I think of Jordyn Brooks, I cant help but thing of that crisp interception in the end zone against TCU. Brooks can keep any Texas Tech fan entertained, even when we are in the verge of a loss like when we faced the Horned Frogs.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13271035/1051928456.jpg.jpg)
That picture above is just what I was talking about. He can pick off quarterbacks anywhere on the field. But in the end zone, he out-performed himself even.
Not to mention the junior linebacker is just behind Dakota Allen in tackles with 28 solos, 12 assisted and 30 total. And we can never forget the interception last week against TCU. I mean, it was just so beautiful, I almost cried.
Defensive coach David Gibbs, we salute you. The entire Texas Tech defense, we salute you. Thank you for getting the job done not only for yourselves, but for a Red Raider fans.
Now lets hold down The Jones on Saturday, Oct. 20, against the Kansas Jayhawks.