For nearly a year now, Texas Tech defensive linemen have been dealing with the stigma that they don’t play very tough.
This year, they’ll look tough, at least, and hope it carries over.
They spent the summer growing beards. The Red Raiders’ No. 122 ranking in total defense — fourth from the bottom in the FBS last season — isn’t going to scare anybody, so maybe the look of the front four will.
It was new defensive line coach Mike Smith’s idea.
“Initially, he just told us he wanted us to find something for the group to do together, to create unity,” senior defensive end Branden Jackson said.