The Best Recruit From Each of Kliff Kingsbury’s Classes At Texas Tech

Jordyn Brooks

The 2016 recruiting class was the first in Kingsbury’s tenure to include numerous potential all-conference stars.  Players like receiver T.J. Vasher, quarterback Jett Duffey and running back Da’ Leon Ward will all be key members of the Red Raider offense this season. But the unquestioned top signee from the group is changing the perception of the Texas Tech defense by redefining what has been the program’s weakest position for almost 20 years.

Houston native Jordyn Brooks has been a starter at middle linebacker since he stepped on campus and in the process he has been an anchor around which the Texas Tech defense is being rebuilt.

In each of his first two seasons, Brooks has topped 80 tackles.  Both seasons earned him honorable mention all conference honors and Texas Tech coaches think Brooks is just beginning to realize his fantastic potential.

Brooks is now teamed with Dakota Allen and Riko Jeffers to form the best linebacking trio at Texas Tech since the Clinton administration.  And the difference is starting to show.

Last season, Texas Tech saw its defense improve over 20 spots in total defense and much of that was due to Brooks’ solid play in the middle.  Now fans are expecting a huge 2018 from their star linebacker as he continues to lead a revitalized defense that returns 10 starters.

Brooks already has 175 career tackles meaning that by the end of his career, he could be among the program’s all-time leaders.  That is if he doesn’t leave for the NFL after this season.