Texas Tech Football: All-time Red Raiders roster

Sep 5, 2015; Lubbock, TX, USA; The Texas Tech Red Raiders tractor-trailer sits outside Jones AT&T Stadium prior to the game against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Free Safety

Starter: Tracy Saul

A 2015 inductee into the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame, Tracy Saul is the first team free safety on the Texas Tech All-time  roster. The school’s career interceptions leader with 25, was a four-time first-team all-conference selection.

Twice he was the all-conference kick returner and twice he was selected as a defensive back. He is one of only four players in the 81-year history of the Southwest Conference to be named to the all-conference team in four separate years.

The native of Idalou, Texas twice intercepted eight passes in a season (1989 and 1991). To this date, he is the only Red Raider to have as many as eight interceptions in multiple seasons.

Saul was also a lethal kick returner averaging over 10 yards per return in his career. While many modern-day Texas Tech fans know another kick returner, Wes Welker as “the natural”, that is the nickname that was also bestowed upon Saul by the Texas Tech faithful long before Welker arrived in Lubbock. One look at his career highlights shows why he has earned a spot on the programs all-time roster.

Backup: Ted Watts

The native of Florida was named first team all-Southwest Conference in both 1979 and 1980. He was also named as a first team All-American in 1980.

Watts’ 49 tackles and 19 passes defended in his junior and senior campaigns led many scouts to proclaim him the best defensive back in college football. He was the Oakland Raiders’ first-round draft choice in 1981. He played six seasons in the NFL with the Raiders, the New York Giants and the San Diego Chargers.

Next: Strong Side Linebacker - Charlie Rowe