The Top 50 Red Raiders of All-Time: No. 39 – 35

No. 37 — LaAdrian Waddle (OT 2009 – 2012):

Oct 6, 2012; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders offensive tackle LaAdrian Waddle (65) on the field against the Oklahoma Sooners in the first half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Kerry Hyder’s teammate, LaAdrian Waddle checks in next on the countdown. The 6’6” 321-pound tackle from Columbus, TX displayed a combination of power and athleticism that contradicted his last name.

During his sophomore year, Waddle received All-Big 12 Conference honorable mention honors and was named Academic All-Big 12 second team . In 2011, Waddle was named an All-Big 12 Conference second Team selection before being named to the first-team following the 2012 season.

Waddle was a pleasant surprise for the Detroit Lions who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2013. By week seven of the season, Waddle was the team’s starting right tackle. He remains with Detroit as an important part of the line that protects star quarterback Matthew Stafford.