Texas Tech Football: All-time Red Raiders roster

Courtesy, Texas Tech Athletics

Strong Safety

Starter: Dwayne Slay

Another junior college transfer finds himself on the first team of the all-time Texas Tech two-deep roster. Because of his physical play and highlight reel hits, Dwayne Slay became a fan favorite and Texas Tech legend despite starting for only one season.

In 2005, Slay set an NCAA record with 8 forced fumbles and was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Sports Illustrated also named him a First-team All-American that season.

Slay’s legendary status can be traced back to a single game. Against Kansas State in 2005, Slay delivered two of the most devastating hits ever seen at Jones Stadium.

The first hit, seen below, forced a momentum-changing fumble when Slay clobbered a Wildcat receiver.

But it is the second hit from that game that has been immortalized in Texas Tech lore.

Slay’s hit on KSU quarterback Allan Evridge was one of the most violent and dramatic defensive plays in Texas Tech history. Though it would be considered illegal by today’s rules, the play will forever be celebrated as one of the greatest in program history.

Backup: Marcus Coleman

During his career at Texas Tech, Marcus Coleman was a hybrid defender that often lined up at linebacker while at other times playing safety. Officially, he was listed as playing the “Raider” position allowing him to do whatever the situation called for.

Starting 36 consecutive games from 1992-1995, Coleman set a Southwest Conference record with four career interceptions returned for touchdown. He was also a key special teams ace blocking a school record three kicks in 1995.

Coleman later spent over a decade in the NFL with the New York Jets, Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys.

Next: Free Safety - Tracy Saul