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Texas Tech football: Juniors that could be ready to step up in 2020

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 23: Defensive back Adam Beck #24 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs across the field during the first half of the college football game against the Kansas State Wildcats on November 23, 2019 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 23: Defensive back Adam Beck #24 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders runs across the field during the first half of the college football game against the Kansas State Wildcats on November 23, 2019 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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Defensive end Nelson Mbanasor #91 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders battles against left tackle Anthony McKinney #68 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half of the college football game on November 16, 2019 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
Defensive end Nelson Mbanasor #91 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders battles against left tackle Anthony McKinney #68 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the first half of the college football game on November 16, 2019 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

DE Nelson Mbanasor

Texas Tech signed only one defensive lineman in the class of 2017.  Thus, it was always imperative that Nelson Mbanasor eventually becomes a significant contributor.

But thus far, the Pflugerville native has yet to be the type of player that many thought he could be when he signed.  Of course, those expectations were fueled by the fact that as Mbanasor redshirted in 2017, then Red Raider defensive coordinator David Gibbs openly admitted that Mbanasor could have played and even potentially started that year.

Now, in fairness, that defensive line was lacking in both top-end talent and quality depth.  But still, Mbanasor has always had the type of physical gifts that would suggest he should be giving the program more than he has.

In his career, he’s managed just 23 tackles (3.0 for loss) and a sack.  But his defensive line coach Paul Randolph seems to think that this could be the year the junior breaks through.

"“He’s really been off the charts the whole camp,” Randolph said on Thursday. “He’s bigger, faster, stronger, more explosive, practicing at a high level.”"

According to the updated football roster, Mbanasor has dropped ten pounds this year to check in at 275 pounds.  Thus, it is no surprise to hear Randolph say that he is more explosive in fall camp.

Texas Tech is going to need a big year from Mbanasor, if for no other reason than because his versatility will be a huge asset given the likelihood that he will have to play both end and tackle this year, especially if the COVID-19 bug strikes the defensive line.

Randolph is pleased with Mbanasor’s progress after the two discussed last year what the talented DE needed to do to improve.

"“It’s about the first time I’ve ever seen it where a guy has actually improved on every single thing that we talked about,” Randolph said. “I’m excited to turn him loose and let him go.”"

Red Raider fans are excited to see the improved Mbanasor as well.  That’s because he may finally be ready to make the type of impact that we’ve been expecting him to make all along.

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