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Texas Tech Football: The Rise of Tyree Wilson

By Maitland Rutledge

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 22: Linebacker Tyree Wilson #19 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders warms up before the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 22, 2022 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - OCTOBER 22: Linebacker Tyree Wilson #19 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders warms up before the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 22, 2022 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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The Texas Tech football team’s defense has turned the corner this season under new defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter. The turnaround though would not be possible if not for the talent the program has gained on that side of the ball over the past few seasons.

One player getting more and more national attention is outside linebacker Tyree Wilson. Not only has Wilson become arguably the team’s best defensive player, but the senior is catching the eyes of many NFL Draft analysts and pro scouts.

ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. released his new pre-draft rankings this past week and Wilson came in at number 15 on the list. Kiper had this to say about the Red Raider edge rusher:

"“I’m moving up Wilson now because of his consistency; he has six sacks and 11 total tackles for loss, showing off his explosion at the snap as a pass-rusher and taking on blockers and holding his ground in the run game. For edge rushers, it’s all about physical traits and tools, and the 6-foot-6 Wilson has everything teams want in that regard. He has a high ceiling.”"

Kiper’s analysis is spot on. There are not many edge rushers in the country who are 6’6” with that length of a wingspan and who can simply use raw strength to wrap up. Wilson will continue to draw interest from the NFL if this continues.

Wilson has become a fixture on the defensive line since transferring from Texas A&M after the 2019 season. After appearing in nine games during the 2020 season, Wilson burst onto the Big 12 scene last season.

He finished the year with 38 total tackles and seven sacks, earning All-Big 12 honorable mention. He was also named defensive MVP of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and to the Associated Press All-Bowl Team.

This season has been an even bigger one for Wilson. So far he has racked up 59 total tackles, seven sacks, forced and recovered a fumble, and has seven quarterback hits.

Last week’s game against TCU was business as usual for Wilson. He had a quarterback hit on Max Duggan and came away with eight tackles, including this one for a loss early on that set the tone for the defense.

https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX/status/1588931065342836740?s=20&t=VgWcp6CS3wNebfg1Lzfl2g

The Red Raiders currently sit fourth in the Big 12 in total defense, allowing 372.8 yards per game. The team is also third in sacks with 21 with Wilson accounting for one-third of them. With the offense still struggling, the defense continues to help give them opportunities and Wilson’s timely big plays on that side of the ball have caught the attention of everyone in the conference.

The sky is the limit for Wilson and with three games left, he has plenty of opportunities to show the NFL what he can bring to any franchise. While the draft is a long way away, the recognition Wilson is receiving is impressive. The question is will Wilson be able to continue his dominance and put his name up there with the likes of Will Anderson or will he slip to the middle of the pack and be drafted in the later rounds?

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