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Texas Tech football: Predictions for the 2020 Red Raider defense

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 05: Defensive coordinator Keith Patterson shouts at the umpire during the first half of the college football game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on October 05, 2019 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 05: Defensive coordinator Keith Patterson shouts at the umpire during the first half of the college football game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys on October 05, 2019 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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Eli Howard #53 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders on the sidelines during the game against the Lamar Cardinals on September 08, 2018 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
Eli Howard #53 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders on the sidelines during the game against the Lamar Cardinals on September 08, 2018 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /

At least six Red Raiders will earn All-Big 12 recognition

Last year, only three Texas Tech defenders managed to earn first or second-team All-Big 12 recognition.  This year, that number will be doubled.

There is simply more individual talent on this year’s roster and Patterson’s high-risk, high-reward scheme allows players to rack up huge statistical totals.  We saw that last year with Coleman’s eight picks and Jordyn Brooks’ 108 tackles in only 11 games.  This year, it isn’t hard to foresee both Jeffers and Schooler experiencing a spike in their tackle totals per game as Patterson turns them loose.

There is also the likelihood that at least two of the Red Raider defensive linemen find their way onto the postseason all-conference teams.  Given that Howard will be surrounded by more talent than he ever has been at Tech, this could be his best year yet.  That’s because he will not have to play as many snaps given the quality depth behind him which should keep him fresher as individual games and the season wear on.  Thus, he should remain healthier than he has for quite some time and he could have his best season yet to wind up as a first-team All-Big 12 performer.

There will also likely be some players who emerge as all-league performers for the first time.  For example, LSU transfer Eric Monroe could earn All-Conference honors in his first-ever opportunity to start while Zech McPhearson might prove to be one of the better cover corners in the Big 12 after a solid 2019.

There’s also the possibility that Tony Bradford Jr. will take a significant step forward as a sophomore and become a force at defensive tackle.  Likewise, either Jaylon Hutchings or Nick McCann could garner recognition for their work at nose guard.

The point is that there are a number of players that we can envision earning All-Big 12 honors this year.  And if that number doubles from last year, this defense will be the surprise of the Big 12.

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