Texas Tech football: Players that must step up in 2021

DE Tyree Wilson

Many Texas Tech football fans are counting on this year to be the one in which the defense finally returns to respectability.  What’s more, some believe that 2021 could be the season in which the Tech defense is able to be one of the best in the Big 12.

But for that to happen, defensive end Tyree Wilson must take the next step forward and become a consistent pass rusher.

At 6-foot-6, 275 pounds, the former Texas A&M transfer has the prototypical NFL body for a defensive end.  And he’s also displayed, albeit only sporadically, the type of athleticism that should translate to the next level.

But last year, Wilson was only a role player for the defense.  Despite being the most physically talented player on the defensive line, he managed only 1.5 sacks and two QB pressures to go along with a meager 11 tackles in nine games played.  He must be far more productive than that this year.

Perhaps a full offseason in the Texas Tech strength and conditioning program will be the key.  Remember that last year, he did not join the roster until midway through fall camp in August and that likely hurt his development as a player.

But this year, he’s reportedly had a great offseason according to the coaching staff.  Therefore, expectations are high for the junior.

Last year, Wilson made a splash against Texas when he was unblockable in a key stretch late in the game.  But after he racked up a sack and a QB pressure that afternoon in the second game of the season, he was never able to repeat that type of dominance for the remainder of the year.

But that performance gave us a glimpse of what he can be and if he can prove to be a disruptive force all season long rather than in just isolated moments, it could transform what the 2021 Texas Tech defense may become.