Texas Tech football: Sophomores that are primed to make a big jump in 2020

DE Tony Bradford Jr.

Texas Tech had to say goodbye to some fantastic leaders over the last two years including Dakota Allen, Jordyn Brooks, Broderick Washington, and Douglas Coleman.  But one player that seems destined to be the next leader on the defense is sophomore Tony Bradford Jr.

A look at his stats from his true freshman year will not blow anyone away.  The Houston native was credited with 13 tackles, two for loss.

But after missing the season opener, he appeared in every game and was a key reserve along a thin defensive line.  And never did he look overmatched physically.

The former 3-star signee showed up big enough to compete at DE in the Big 12.  But that alone isn’t enough to make a player effective.

What should give us the most confidence in Bradford’s future as a Red Raider is what is between his ears and what is in his heart.  And just recently, we saw that on display once again.

If you haven’t taken the time to read his In My Words piece, I would highly recommend doing so.  In it, Bradford talks about why he has wanted to become a police officer since he was a kid and how he plans to pursue that calling as a way to bring about change in our world.  Thinking about serving others and his community is what makes Bradford a leader in the making.

On the field, he has the look of a multi-year starter as well.  We don’t often see true freshmen come to Texas Tech and contribute along the defensive line immediately.  Thus, don’t be surprised to see Tony Bradford Jr. make huge strides forward as a player in his second season on campus.