2015 Big 12 Position Rankings: The Secondary

No. 5: Texas Tech

Dec 30, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Justis Nelson (31) intercepts a pass intended for Arizona State Sun Devils receiver Cameron Smith (6) during the 2013 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Texas Tech defeated Arizona State 37-23. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Red Raiders return all of their defensive backs for 2015, add redshirt freshman Payton Hendrix (6-foot-2, 200-pound safety), and get back Jah’Shawn Johnson from a torn labrum suffered early in the season.

Texas Tech also signed Jamile Johnson, a big, physical cornerback for the Class of 2015, who will add great depth to a now-veteran cadre of defenders. Nigel Bethel is the obvious CB1, proving early in the 2014 season that there are very few receivers who will put him on the wrong end of a highlight reel. Keenon Ward is a great asset in run defense from the Safety position, which has been a point of emphasis for opposing offenses in recent years.

If the Red Raiders can get more help from an improved defensive front seven this year, look for their secondary to have a big year under new defensive coordinator David Gibbs.