No. 1: Tyree Wilson
There’s only one player on this year’s roster that is projected as a virtual lock to be taken in the 2023 NFL Draft; defensive end Tyree Wilson. Thus, it can’t be overstated just how important he is to what the Red Raiders hope to accomplish this fall.
After amassing seven sacks a season ago, many believe the 6-foot-6, 275-pound physical specimen is ready to become a dominant force in the Big 12 this year. But if the former Texas A&M transfer were to be lost, there would be a huge void in the defense.
Listed behind him on the depth chart are Amarillo native L.B. Moore (a sophomore), Myles Cole (a transfer from Louisiana-Monroe), and true freshman Joseph Adedire. That’s not a group that is going to calm fears should they be thrust into Wilson’s place.
The simple truth is that there just isn’t another proven pass rusher on this team, especially at edge rusher. In fact, last season, no other Red Raider defensive end even registered a sack.
To remedy that problem, Tech is trying to move parts around in DeRuyter’s new scheme. LB Jesiah Pierre has moved to a hybrid edge rusher as has junior and former walk-on Bryce Ramirez and former Vanderbilt transfer Dimitri Moore (who played more of a traditional linebacker role with the Commodores). But none of those players have proven to be able to do what Wilson can.
Tech hasn’t had a 10-sack player in a season since Pete Robertson in 2014. But many expect Wilson to end that streak this year. He’s that physically dominant and athletically gifted.
However, if he were to suffer an injury and miss significant time, it would be a near disaster for the Red Raiders because there is virtually no other player on the roster who can do what he can by rushing off the edge. That’s why Tyree Wilson is this year’s most indispensable player.