Linebackers (First Team) | (Second Team) |
|---|---|
MLB - Ben Roberts | Miquel Dingle |
WLB - Jacob Rodriguez | Bryce Ramirez |
At linebacker, the Texas Tech football team is in great shape. In fact, this position group should be the heartbeat of the defense.
Ben Roberts is coming off of a great 2023 when, as a redshirt freshman, he started 12 games and made 105 tackles. That helped earn him Co-Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors.
Meanwhile, Jacob Rodriguez is one of the most instinctual players on the team. Though he was limited to just five games last fall, he projects to be one of the better linebackers in the conference. What's more, he was able to redshirt this past season meaning he still has two years of eligibility remaining.
Behind Roberts, Dingle is a freak athlete who runs like a deer. He plays with his hair on fire and when he learns the mental aspect of linebacker, he is going to be a true asset.
As for Rodriguez's backup, Bryce Ramirez is back for one more year after returning in 2023 from a gruesome broken leg suffered the previous season. He is one of the emotional leaders of the team and his move to inside from edge rusher could make him more valuable given his intelligence.
If Roberts and Rodriguez stay healthy this fall, they will each push the 100 tackle barrier. If that happens, Tech will be strong up the middle of the defense and that is a key for any solid team.