Texas Tech football: Under the radar 2024 signees to be excited about

Edward Smith has the size to dominate at Texas Tech

In this class, Tech decided not to sign a defensive tackle after going heavy at that position in the 2023 class. One player who might be large enough and versatile enough to slide down to tackle from time to time is Edward Smith from Pearland, Texas, a 3-star prospect ranked the No. 79 overall player in Texas.

Already 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, he's got the size to play in the Big 12. He'll start out as a defensive end but if he packs on 30 pounds of muscle, he could easily spin down to tackle, especially in pass-rush situations.

McGuire said on Wednesday that Smith reminds him of former Red Raiders Tyree Wilson and Myles Cole because of his size and length. Here's hoping he's more Wilson than Cole.

Wilson was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft after putting up 121 tackles and 17 sacks in his collegiate career. Meanwhile, Cole, who is hoping to be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, recorded only five sacks and 85 tackles in his five years in the NCAA.

Smith's highlights show a player who has a lot of Dooda Banks in his game. Just like Banks, the Red Raider sophomore defensive lineman from Wichita Falls, Smith is a bull capable of physically dominating opposing linemen. Once he puts on some quality weight, he could be the next young Red Raider defensive lineman to make a splash.