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

DE Aaron Hunt

If Patterson’s goal is to get to the QB, adding Aaron Hunt, the program’s all-time sacks leader would be ideal.  That’s because there is no defensive end on the roster with anywhere near the skins on the wall as Hunt.

The Denison, TX native registered 34 career sacks, six more than any other player to ever wear the Double-T.  He also has the 4th and 9th-most single-season sack totals of any Red Raider with 12 in 2001 and 9 in 2002.

The best defensive end on the roster this year is Eli Howard who had 3.5 sacks last year. But that was down from the 5.5 sacks he had as a redshirt freshman in 2017.  And after him, there are no proven pass rushers.

Senior Lonzell Gilmore has just 1.5 career sacks despite being an athletic freak.  Many are hoping that this will finally be the year he makes a noticeable impact on the Red Raider defense.

280-pound sophomore Nelson Mbanasor should see his snaps increase this fall and he could make a huge step forward this fall.  But until he actually proves to be an effective pass rusher, we will not feel great about the future of the defensive end position.

What’s more, Tech’s two 2019 defensive end signees could also see some time in the rotation this year.   Gilbert Ibeneme, a 4-star signee, and Tony Bradford Jr. a 3-star signee are two of the better DE prospects to sign with the Red Raiders in recent years and they will likely be needed in some capacity this year.

Having a player like Hunt to come off the end of the defensive line would be a huge boost to this year’s defense.  Instead, Patterson will need some previously unproven players to step up this season.