Wreck'Em Red
Fansided

Texas Tech Football: Three Defensive Players Ready To Break Out In 2018

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TX - SEPTEMBER 17: Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive coordinator David Gibbs reacts to play on the field during the game Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on September 17, 2016 at AT
LUBBOCK, TX - SEPTEMBER 17: Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive coordinator David Gibbs reacts to play on the field during the game Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on September 17, 2016 at AT /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
LUBBOCK, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 1: Fans of the Texas Tech Red Raiders cheer in the stands before the game against the Texas Longhorns on November 1, 2008 at Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 1: Fans of the Texas Tech Red Raiders cheer in the stands before the game against the Texas Longhorns on November 1, 2008 at Jones Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by: Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Sophomore LB Riko Jeffers

There has been no greater transformation among any Texas Tech football position group under David Gibbs than that of the linebacker position.  After struggling to field even average Big 12 linebackers for the majority of the “Air Raid” era of the program, the Red Raiders now have two all-conference players at LB in senior Dakota Allen and junior Jordyn Brooks.

But David Gibbs has repeatedly hinted to those around the program that he believes sophomore LB Riko Jeffers will be better than both Allen and Brooks.  That is high praise for the Sachse, Texas native who has made just two starts in his career.

But in those two starts, he was solid registering nine tackles.  In his first ever start against Kansas State, he recorded six tackles, second-most on the team.

For the season, Jeffers had 22 total tackles (most among freshmen) and one fumble forced.  He also led the Red Raiders with eight special teams tackles.

But with two stars in place ahead of him in Gibbs’ two linebacker scheme, why is Jeffers expected to be a breakout star this year?  Look no further than his physical gifts.

At 6-foot-2, 245-pounds, he is a full ten pounds heavier than either Allen or Brooks.  Yet he is as fast or faster than both.

And Gibbs has been high on him since the moment he stepped on campus.  Following the Red Raiders’ win over Kansas last season in which Jeffers had three solo tackles, the Red Raider defensive coordinator was quick to praise his then-freshman LB.

"“He’s gonna be a great player here. He’s just a baby. He didn’t get here until June, and he’s picked things up. We put him in the game a lot more yesterday, and we’re looking for him to contribute.” he said."

Jeffers played on instinct last year as he adjusted to life in the Big 12.  Now, after a year in the film room and, maybe more importantly, a year in the Texas Tech football strength and conditioning program, many expect Riko Jeffers to push for significant playing time.

It will be interesting to see if David Gibbs choses to take a defensive back off the field more often this year to allow Jeffers, Allen and Brooks to play together.  That will certainly be the case against run-heavy teams like Kansas State but it is yet to be seen if a three linebacker set can be effective against spread passing attacks.

Still, Riko Jeffers is going to play a significant role this season.  By the end of the year, his will be a name most Texas Tech fans know.

Home/Texas Tech Red Raiders News