Texas Tech football: 3 Sooner defenders that Red Raider fans should know

DB Parnell Motley

Last year, the Oklahoma pass defense was the worst in the nation (one spot ahead of Texas Tech).  But this year, they are up to No. 53 overall in that category and a big reason why has been the play of senior corner Parnell Motley.

The 6-foot, 187-pounder has been a lock-down coverage man in 2019.  Through three games, he had allowed the fewest yards per snap to the receiver he covered of any player in the nation according to Pro Football Focus.

Throughout his career, Motley has been a big-play corner.  He’s got five career picks, including three last year.  One of those he took back 77 yards for a touchdown against Tulane in 2017.

Now, he’s prepared to face off with Tech’s top receiver, T.J. Vasher, who will be the best receiver he’s seen in 2019.

"“I’m excited for that matchup and for the competition to get even better,” Motley told Vic Reynolds of OU Daily. “I’ve been checking this guy since my sophomore year. It’ll be great to guard him again — he’s tall, can catch the ball, he can run. He’s not your average receiver, and it’ll be great to line up against him again.”"

Given that Tech’s other pass catchers have yet to prove capable of consistently winning one-on-one battles, it would not be surprising to see Motley get extra help, especially if Vasher has success early.  Still, this will be the game’s most intriguing matchup when Tech has the football.

For Vasher, this will be an opportunity to step up against a top-notch corner in a high-profile game.  If he can dominate this matchup, he will not only give his team a huge boost, he will open tons of eyes around the Big 12 as well as on a national scale.