DEFENSIVE CLASS MAY BE WHAT TECH NEEDS
By mark rogers
February 7, 2009
For probably the first time ever in the history of the world, the Texas Tech recruiting class is made up of a majority of standout defensive players.
15 of the 25 signees are either defenders or will start out on the defensive side of the ball.
Safeties Will Ford (Cooper) and Daniel Cobb could play in any defensive backfield in the country. DTs Pearlie Graves and Myles Wade are beasts that could make an immediate impact. And LB Brandon Mahoney is a stud, too.
A number of factors could explain the defensive class:
1) Tech got more recognition than ever before with 11 wins, a rise to #2 in the rankings and wins over Texas and Oklahoma State on national TV.
2) Tech's defense had a very good end to the 2007 season and was pretty good all year except against OU and in the bowl game. Good defensive players are attracted to good (or improving) defensive programs.
3) Maybe Mike Leach is finally realizing that offense alone will not win you a championship no matter what. This change in philosophy could be just what the doctor ordered...especially since Abilene product Taylor Potts (who Leach said was the most physically gifted QB he's ever had at Tech) is about to take the reins...beard and all.
No matter the reasons, Tech is making a serious run towards being a very above-average defense...and that may be all it takes to win that one important game they seem to lose every year and play for a Big 12 Title.
Maybe not next year, but if things keep going in this direction, it just may happen.
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