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Texas Tech football: Players the Red Raiders need more from

By Matthew Conner

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 09: Loic Fouonji #11 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders lines up during the first half of the game against the Oregon Ducks at Jones AT&T Stadium on September 09, 2023 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 09: Loic Fouonji #11 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders lines up during the first half of the game against the Oregon Ducks at Jones AT&T Stadium on September 09, 2023 in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /
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Sep 9, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive guard Marcus Harper II (55) blocks Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Steve Linton (7) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive guard Marcus Harper II (55) blocks Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Steve Linton (7) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas Tech fans expected more out of Steve Linton given his offseason hype

Outside linebacker Steve Linton was as hyped as any player on the roster this offseason.  A Syracuse transfer who put on good weight this summer, he was supposed to be a pass-rush nightmare according to the reports we got from the coaching staff during spring and fall practices.

So far, reality hasn’t matched that hype.  With only seven tackles to his name this season, Linton isn’t looking like a potential 2024 NFL Draft pick, which many thought he might become this year.

Most disappointing is that Linton has only one tackle for loss and no sacks thus far.  Of course, some of that has to do with the fact that he has been playing more coverage from his outside LB position than most of us expected.

Still, Linton is expected to get to the passer this year and he’s not done so yet.  In fact, this entire defense is struggling in that regard.

Only two teams in the conference, Oklahoma and BYU, have fewer sacks on the year than the three Texas Tech has managed.  Meanwhile, Oklahoma State, Cincy, and Kansas State have all already racked up eight sacks.

"“Both [Linton and Cole] we believe have a lot of talent,” DeRuyter said Monday.  “They’re playing well within the scheme but they’re not productive enough and in our defense, our edges, our star, those players have to make a lot of plays for us to be as good as we should be on defense. I think both of those guys are a little bit disappointed in their production…”"

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