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Texas Tech football: Breaking down 2019 early signings

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TX - OCTOBER 22: General view of fireworks during the National Anthem before the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Oklahoma Sooners on October 22, 2016 at AT
LUBBOCK, TX - OCTOBER 22: General view of fireworks during the National Anthem before the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Oklahoma Sooners on October 22, 2016 at AT /
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(Photo by: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
(Photo by: Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Most underrated: LB Tyrique Matthews

In just a few seasons, the Texas Tech football program has become spoiled at the linebacker position.  With players like Dakota Allen, Jordyn Brooks and Riko Jeffers patrolling the middle of the field, a position that was once a liability has become the strongest part of the defense.

The next star linebacker to roam the turf at Jones Stadium could be three-star Houston product Tyrique Matthews.  But despite being one of the better defensive prospects in Texas, he has gone largely unnoticed during this recruiting cycle.

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The No. 56 inside linebacker in the nation committed to the Red Raiders in June and never wavered.  And perhaps for that reason, he received offers from no other Power 5 schools.

But that does not mean that he is not a quality player.  The 5-foot-10, 200-pounder was a finalist for the Houston Touchdown Club Player of the Year Award joining fellow Texas Tech commit and eventual defensive P.O.Y. Tony Bradford Jr.

Matthews is a skilled athlete who played receiver and running back this year in addition to leading his team’s defense.  That experience should help his footwork as well as his understanding of coverage schemes which is such a critical component of playing linebacker in the Big 12.

There looks to be plenty of time for Matthews to develop after arriving in Lubbock.  Tech will have Brooks for next year and Jeffers for the next two years so the middle linebacker position is in good hands for now.

Next. Plenty of holes remain in 2019 class. dark

But eventually, Tech will need another linebacker to step up and carry on the new standard that has been established in recent seasons.  Though Matthews arrives with less fanfare than other signees, keep an eye on his development because he may end up playing a key role down the road.

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