Texas Tech football: 5 ex Red Raiders we wish we could add to 2019 defense

Outside Linebacker Pete Robertson

Patterson has developed a reputation for producing fantastic edge rushers.  At Arizona St. his 2014 defense finished 13th in the nation in total sacks and in 2015, the Sun Devils topped the country with 3.54 sacks per game.

But this year, there does not appear to be a no-brainer to slide in at one of the most important positions in Patterson’s defense, outside linebacker.  But former Red Raider Pete Robertson would be the perfect fit at that spot.

Fifth all-time in program history with 22.0 career sacks, Robertson was an explosive player that could play defensive end on passing downs or slide out to outside LB at other times.  At 6-foot-3, 239-pounds, the Longview native is the prototype for an edge rusher in a 3-3-5 scheme.

In 2014, Robertson had 12 sacks, tied for fourth-most in a season in Tech history.  Earning first-team All-Big 12 honors, he also forced three fumbles that year.

This fall, the Red Raiders could use a player with such a pass-rush resume.  Outside of Eli Howard (8.5 career sacks), Broderick Washington (5 career sacks), and Jordyn Brooks (3.5 career sacks) no Red Raider defender has more than 1.5 sacks as a collegiate.

Patterson will likely try to unlock the potential of senior Christian Taylor, get grad transfer Evan Rambo up to speed after missing last year with an injury, or see if redshirt freshman Xavier Benson is ready to contribute in a significant way in hopes that he can find answers at OLB.  If he had a player like Pete Robertson to put in that spot, he would already have the player he is currently looking for as we head into preseason workouts.