Texas Tech football: Positions that need JUCO or grad transfer reinforcements

Tech’s defensive backs were a disaster in 2019

What makes the secondary different from the other position groups on this list is that there are plenty of warm bodies for Tech to use in the secondary next year.  The problem is that most of them proved this year that they are not players the Red Raiders can win with.

Making matters worse, the worst pass defense in the Big 12 and 3rd-worst in the nation is also losing its best player, Douglas Coleman, who led the NCAA with eight picks this year.  Replacing him with a JUCO or a grad transfer may be the most likely way to solidify the secondary.

Tech also may want to add a second safety by transfer and move Adrian Frye back to corner after an atrocious showing at safety.  It would make sense to move him back to where he was a first-team All-Big 12 selection two seasons ago, especially with Des Smith now out of eligibility.

Tech does return DaMarcus Fields at corner as well as Ja’Marcus Ingram and Thomas Leggett at safety.  What’s more, freshmen Alex Hogan and Dadrion Taylor showed some promise after being thrust into the fire in their first year as collegiates.

But make no mistake, this position needs a significant infusion of talent.  Right now, the 2020 class has five defensive backs committed but that should not stop Wells and his staff from pursuing immediate help in the JUCo and transfer market.