Can Texas Tech Find A Consistent Pass Rush This Spring?

There is finally some optimism about the Texas Tech defense which returns 10 starters from a much-improved 2017 unit. But if the defense is going to take the next step in its resurgence, it must find a way to generate a more consistent pass rush in 2018.

After three seasons as the Texas Tech defensive coordinator, David Gibbs finally saw his efforts begin to pay off in 2017. At first glance, the ranking of No. 104 in the nation in total defense might not seem like much reason for celebration. But consider that in the past two season, Tech’s defense ranked last and next-to-last in total defense and one can see why fans are feeling better about that side of the ball.

Still, there is one area where the Texas Tech defense must improve; the pass rush. Gibbs’ defense ranked just 111th in the country with 18 total sacks on the season last fall. Considering that the Red Raiders play in the pass-happy Big 12, that number is cause for concern.

But this has long been an area of weakness for Texas Tech. During the Kingsbury era, Tech has ranked no higher than No. 71 in the nation in sacks (2013) and has not recorded more than 24 in a season.

Conversely, TCU led the Big 12 with 42 last season while Texas (31) and Oklahoma State (30) both ranked in the top 50 nationally. So how does Texas Tech improve its pass rush?

The key is for the upperclassmen to take their games to the next level. There are a number of experienced defensive linemen on the roster who have yet to make the type of impact that has been expected of them.

For instance, defensive end Kolin Hill, a former transfer from Notre Damn has not lived up to his billing since an impressive true freshman season with the Fighting Irish. With only three sacks in 25 career games at Texas Tech, Hill has left fans wanting more.

The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal is reporting that Hill has dropped from 252 to 232 pounds this spring in an attempt to improve his explosion off the line.

"“That’s something I’ve wanted to do,” Hill told the A-J. “I feel a lot faster. I feel like I have more quick twitch than I have in the past. I don’t feel as stiff.”"

Another upperclassman that needs to be a factor this year is junior defensive end Lonzell Gilmore. While Hill has focused on slimming down, Gillmore has had the opposite struggle since stepping on campus.

The former 3-star recruit arrived weighing 215 pounds and has since had a difficult time to add weight to his 6-foot-3 frame. But the spring roster lists him as 280 pounds which makes him the biggest defensive end on the roster.

Now that the weight seems to be there, the production must follow. Like Hill, Gillmore has just three career sacks with two coming last season. But the coaching staff believes he is capable of far more.

One returning member of the defense, Tony Jones, is looking to build on a surprisingly impactful 2017. The JUCO transfer was second on the team with 4.0 sacks last year, his first as a Red Raider.

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The 220-pound pass-rush specialist was a playmaker last season. He had seven tackles for loss, recovered two fumbles and had an interception. Now in his second year of Gibbs’ system, Jones could be in for a big senior season as a true disruptive force on the defensive line. Jones seemed to wear down a bit as the season progressed failing to register a sack in any of the team’s final six games.

While there is hope that these upperclassmen can all have a more impactful season this year, the bell-cow of the Red Raider pass rush could be a sophomore. Last season, redshirt freshman Eli Howard led the team with 5.5 sacks.

The transfer from North Texas was a bright spot on a young but improving defensive line. The San Angelo native considered walking-on at Texas Tech out of high school but has now earned a scholarship and a starring role on Gibbs’ defense.

"“I’ve been saying for the last two or three weeks that I’m surprised he hasn’t made some wild plays, because he’s that kind of guy,” Gibbs told LubbockOnline.com following Howard’s breakout game against Kansas last season. . “I look like a fool in front of the TV people, because I tell them every week Eli is going to be the MVP of the game, and finally he showed up and affected the football game.“He does it every day. I’m not surprised at all.”"

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If there is a candidate to put up double digit sacks this year, Howard appears to be the guy. But Texas Tech needs improved output from all of the above players. If each can elevate his level of play this fall, the Red Raider defense could see another season of growth as it tries to help the Red Raiders contend in the Big 12.

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