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Five most important Texas Tech defenders

By Matthew Conner

HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 23: Connor Killian #40 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders intercepts the ball and runs it back against Romello Brooker #82 of the Houston Cougars in the first quarter at TDECU Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 23: Connor Killian #40 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders intercepts the ball and runs it back against Romello Brooker #82 of the Houston Cougars in the first quarter at TDECU Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images) /
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LUBBOCK, TX – SEPTEMBER 30: Damarcus Fields #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts to the Texas Tech Red Raiders recovering an on side kick during the the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Oklahoma State Cowboys on September 30, 2017 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Oklahoma State defeated Texas Tech 41-34. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX – SEPTEMBER 30: Damarcus Fields #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders reacts to the Texas Tech Red Raiders recovering an on side kick during the the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Oklahoma State Cowboys on September 30, 2017 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. Oklahoma State defeated Texas Tech 41-34. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

No. 5 – DB DaMarcus Fields

In 2017, the Texas Tech pass defense was atrocious ranking No. 122 in the nation by allowing over 285 yards a game though the air.  That is why Texas Tech needs its corners to step up this fall.

After a surprising breakout season a year ago, sophomore DaMarcus Fields is the best corner on the team.  As the season progressed, Fields was repeatedly assigned with taking on the opposition’s top receiver and though he did give up some plays, he battled all season and grew into an excellent defensive back.

After starting the final eleven games, Fields finished fifth on the team with 51 tackles 938 solo).  He was also a huge part in the Red Raiders’ success in forcing turnovers.

Fields had a 95-yard interception for a touchdown against Oklahoma State and he also forced two fumbles, recovering one.  What’s more, he was a key special teams player with his strip and recover of Houston punt returner Brand McDowell to seal a win late in the 4th quarter.

Now, Tech needs Fields to continue his growth and be a legitimate all-conference caliber corner.  At 6-feet and 185-pounds, Fields has the size to battle larger receivers but he also proved fast enough last year to cover speedy receivers like Oklahoma State wide receiver James Washington.

And following the first scrimmage of the season, Fields’ importance is even more magnified.  The presumed starter at the other corner position, Octavious Morgan, was lost for the season with knee injury creating great uncertainty at that spot in the defense.

Now, Gibbs must find an answer opposite Fields from among a group of young but talented options.  If DaMarcus Fields can prove to be a true No.1 cover man, Gibbs’ job will be far easier and his defense will be much better against the pass.

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