The Texas Tech Red Raiders: College Football's Darkhorse in 2008

An added year of maturity can make a huge difference in a position group when coupled with big additions. A second year of experience in Ruffin McNeill's defensive system means this unit could become one of the best in the Big 12 in 2008.

LINEBACKERS: The Red Raiders return two out of three starters in the linebacking corps. The group is headlined by weakside linebacker Marlon Williams and middle linebacker Brian Duncan.

The strongside linebacker position will be held down by Odessa Permain High product Bront Bird, who saw significant playing time as a true freshman last season.

Several back-up players could make an emergence as the season progresses, one of those being back-up redshirt freshman middle linebacker Sam Vehoko from Honolulu, Hawaii. Coaches on the Red Raiders staff have praised his natural instincts.

Back-ups Tyrone Sonier, Julius Howard, and Blake Collier are all young and exceptionally fast at the outside linebacker spot and have 40 times in the 4.4 to 4.5 range. Ruffin McNeill has cited that he prefers fast agile players compared to the big bruiser types.

Expect these younger players to get plenty of playing time in blitzing packages. This group as a whole will also be improved from last season as the group as a whole matures a year.

DEFENSIVE BACK: Two out of four starters will return in the secondary for Tech. Opposite of second team Big 12 cornerback Jamar Wall is one of the deepest position battles on the team. A competition among seven cornerbacks to lock down the remaining cornerback position is still open.

One of the favorites is L.A. Reed, a converted receiver who was most noted for his big hits and athleticism on special teams. A physical specimen, Reed stands at 6'2” and 212 pounds. Tech's cornerback coach has been quoted, "Reed could start at wide receiver, safety, or cornerback for any team in the country, he is just that athletic."

At safety, three-year returning starter Darcel McBath will return for his senior season. The remaining safety position is up for grabs among four seniors. Senior Anthony Hines is most likely to start at the strong safety spot and carries an imposing frame at 6'1” and 222 pounds.

While there are two departures from last year, don't expect any drop off in the secondary.

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