Oct 10, 2015; Lubbock, TX, USA; A Texas Tech Red Raiders football sits on the field before the game with the Iowa State Cyclones at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
No. 17 – Thomas Howard (Linebacker 1974-1977)
An amazing athlete, the 6-foot-2, 208-pound Thomas Howard is the 17th greatest Texas Tech all-time player. Howard was a track star in high school recording the fastest time in the nation in the 120 hurdles and that athleticism made him one of the nation’s best linebackers.
In 1976, Howard was named an all-American for a Texas Tech team that went 11-2 and remains arguably the best team in program history. Howard was one of the defensive leaders that led Texas Tech to its first ever Southwest Conference championship.
Drafted in the third round of the 1977 NFL Draft, Howard played nine seasons in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Cardinals. He recorded 7 interceptions and recovered 8 fumbles in his professional career.
Next: Aaron Hunt