For decades, Texas Tech football was synonymous with great linebackers. Former stars like Zach Thomas, Brad Hastings and Michael Johnson led some of the best defenses in school history from the linebacker spot.
However, during the “Air Raid” era, Texas Tech has seen a drop in the quality of overall play at the position. Not coincidentally, that drop coincided with the overall decline of the Red Raider defense.
But as the 2017 season approaches, there is reason to believe that the current group of linebackers on campus could be the best unit since the 1990’s when Spike Dykes’ “Swarm” defense was at its best.