We’re up to defensive ends or outside linebackers and I am a bit nervous about this group as well. Texas Tech had 27 sacks last year which was tied for 3rd in the Big 12, but it was 3 seniors that led the team, accounting for 11 of those sacks and if you include the top 5 sack-masters, departing players had 17 of those sacks with Steve Tony Bradford (4), Myles Cole (3.5), Jaylon Hutchings (3.5), Charles Esters (3), and Steve Linton (3).
The bottom line, there’s a lot to replace, but I think that there’s some decent talent, but it’s young and unproven. Whereas the staff went for some proven veterans for the defensive line spots, the staff is trusting that the returning talent is good enough to produce.
Ramirez had 21 tackles last year and anything he gives you is just great. He didn’t record a sack and had just 1 quarterback hurry, but as an emotional leader, his importance is significant.
- Bryce Ramirez (6-2/245) | SR
The junior class is where the talent lies. Esters had 26 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 quarterback hurries, while Adedire had 25 tackles, 1 sack, and 3 quarterback hurries. I think these two will be significant players in 2024. Now add in Isaac Smith, who sat out all of last year injured, to the mix. Smith sort of burst onto the scene at the end of 2022 and had a sack and a few tackle for losses, but with a year rehabbing and getting better, you’d think that he’ll be a significant factor. Tilmon and Carrell were transfers that haven’t made a significant impact as of yet. We’ll see and I’ll be interested in if Tilmon adds weight.
- Charles Esters, III (6-3/260) | JR
- Joseph Adedire (6-3/265) | JR
- Isaac Smith (6-6/260) | JR
- Terrell Tilmon (6-5/230) | JR
- Sam Carrell (6-4/270) | JR
True freshmen last year that were really hyped and I think for good reason. I really like both of these players and would expect their roles to increase. Same as Tilmon, I’m really interested to see how much their weight changes from last year (which are the weights listed) to the new weights after the spring and summer sessions.
- Dylan Spencer (6-5/245) | SO
- Harvey Dyson, III (6-3/250) | SO
I’m pretty sure that Lemons is a walk-on so don’t know much. Crawford redshirted last year and as did Nedore and if you need to be reminded, both were 4-star guys. Nedore also had an injury in 2023 which kept him out. Also, peep that weight for Nedore, that’s something to watch and a lot of times, guys who are really big and strong can do things that guys who are not. I wonder how much his speed was affected, but in high school he was just pushing people around. Crawford is from Post and was a highly productive and strong kid that he might have to wait one more year, but I think he’s going to be good.
- Chris Lemons (6-2/205) | R-FR
- Isaiah Crawford (6-4/230) | R-FR
- Ansel Nedore (6-3/275) | R-FR
Both of the true freshmen and would be shocked if they played, but these are both highly rated and love their future.
- Charles Anderson, Jr. (6-6/242) | FR
- Edward Smith (6-5/249) | FR