4-star edge rusher, TCU commit visited Texas Tech this past weekend

There is no question that the Texas Tech football program needs to improve its pass rush. While reinforcements won't help in that regard this season, to avoid another year like the one we've seen in 2024, a season in which Tech has recorded just six sacks in seven total games, the coaching staff needs to improve its recruiting efforts at the position.

That's why it was excellent news to find out that one of Texas' highest-rated edge rushers, Chad Woodfork, was in Lubbock this past weekend for an official visit with the Red Raiders. He posted photos of his visit to Instagram and that has given Red Raider fans hope that Tech can flip him away from TCU, the school that he has been committed to since May.

Woodfork is a four-star recruit according to 247Sports.com. The native of Humble, Texas is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound prospect who is ranked the No. 72 overall player in the nation and No. 16 player in Texas for the class of 2025 according to the 247Sports.com composite rankings.

In addition to Tech and TCU, he holds offers from the likes of Florida State, Georgia, Baylor, Arkansas, Kansas State, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Texas, Southern California, and a host of other programs.

This year, the Red Raiders have been hit hard by injuries at the edge rusher position. In fall camp, Tech lost presumed starters Dylan Spencer and Joseph Adedire for the season.

Then, players such as Harvey Dyson, Isaac Smith, and Amier Washington have all missed games this fall. As a result, it is has been nearly impossible for the Red Raiders to mount a pass rush.

In fact, Tech was so desperate for a pass rush in Saturday's loss to Baylor that tight end Johncarols Miller was even deployed as an edge rusher on a couple of defensive snaps. That's the sign of a team truly searching for anyone on the roster who can get after the opposing quarterback.

The Red Raiders need to start winning recruiting battles like this one, especially against in-state conference rivals. That's the best way to fix this program's pass rush issue though Tech will likely try to add some immediate help in the transfer portal as well this offseason.

Still, keep an eye on Woodfork and his recruitment. Though he's in TCU's camp for now, he's obviously still exploring his options and that is good news for the Red Raiders as they try to fix one of their program's greatest weaknesses.