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Texas Tech Football: Final post-practice media availability focuses on defense

By VF Castro

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 25: The Texas Tech Red Raiders defense recovers a fumble during the first half of the game against the Baylor Bears on November 25, 2016 at AT
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 25: The Texas Tech Red Raiders defense recovers a fumble during the first half of the game against the Baylor Bears on November 25, 2016 at AT /
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Texas Tech Football held its final post-practice preseason media availability on Thursday, August 17, and the primary focus was on how the defense has improved.

Texas Tech Football has had plenty of time this offseason to address the team’s most pressing issues. When discussing the program with any die hard fan, to casual observer, the most frequently mentioned issues always revolve around the defense. Whether it’s the inability to wrap up and tackle, to creating turnovers, the defensive issues have prevented Tech from trending upward, despite incredible offensive talent.

One of the biggest storylines throughout head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s career at Texas Tech, has been a perplexing one: Just how committed has he been to the defense? That question has answered itself this offseason, with Kingsbury making the point very early on, that he was shifting to a more hands-on approach with the defense.

With all first-time head coaches, there’s a steep learning curve. Unfortunately for Kingsbury, it took a little longer than most to make the adjustments, but if the defensive shift in focus pays off this season, it could spark a new era in Texas Tech Football as we know it–especially with the facilities upgrades.

During the media availability, Texas Tech defensive end Lonzell Gilmore was asked about Kingsbury’s new approach.

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“It’s been amazing having Kingsbury take part in the defense.” Said Gilmore. “We feel more comfortable around him; it makes us more dedicated having our head coach come on our side […] and communicate with us.”

For a lot of fans, the issue in question for years now, has been related to just how Kingsbury has been communicating with the defense.

When you have an offense that consistently ranks at, or near the top of most NCAA statistics, and a defense that consistently ranks at, or near last in the NCAA, it’s extremely frustrating to everyone involved–including the fan base.

Hopefully with Gilmore addressing just how the defense is adjusting with the new approach, is a sign of good things to come. Everyone knows that if the defense steps up this season, it could start garnering attention from recruits that might have been guaranteed to sign elsewhere in the past.

Gilmore also mentioned how the entire defensive line has been stepping up, including the pass rush. Given how potent Big 12 offenses are, if the improvements here are executed on game days, defensive coordinator David Gibbs’ turnover prowess could start taking effect.

The future of Texas Tech Football lies within this season, and with a tough non-conference slate to begin an even harder Big 12 stretch, conditioning and preparation are key for the Red Raiders’ success in 2017.

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