Texas Tech's defense is undergoing a major overhaul this offseason due to a large number of departures and graduations. That puts the spotlight on defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter. He met with the media this week to give an update on where the Red Raiders' group stands as spring football comes to a close.
Specifically, DeRuyter was asked about his duties replacing multi-year starters Tony Bradford Jr. and defensive tackle Jaylon Hutchings. DeRuyter says that's part of his job.
“Well, you have to replace players every year,” he said. “That's the nature of college football, that as a staff, you have to do a good job of developing players. I think our assistants have done a really great job, especially up front.”
“As you know, we are losing two people who have a lot of experience in this field.” [Hutchings] and [Bradford]”I think our young players are really, really talented and are starting to step up. You know, the older guys, Quincy [Ledet] and dooda [Banks] We are having a really nice spring. They've improved their game, but they need depth to play and we're feeling pretty good with five or six guys right now.”
Additionally, the secondary will need to replace four regulars from last season. De Ruyter spoke about where the group stands heading into the summer.
“I think our corners in particular have become more physical,” he said. “I was really impressed. [Maurion] Horn. He had a great camp. Braylon Lux got more playing time last year and improved his game. They both do a really great job in the press, but they're also really good tacklers for us, so I think they're getting more physical and they know what to do. I think anytime you play with a lot of speed, you can actually play faster and you can play more physical. ”
Speaking of the secondary, DeRuyter was asked about the status of the star position, which is a combination of safety and linebacker. He said competition there is fierce.
“Yeah, I know there was great competition there,” he said. ”[Brendan Jordan] As a true freshman, I thought I did a lot of good things, but as you know, my grades dropped. [2022 starter Marquis Waters] It's not his fault.He never played this many snaps in college football [Waters] Did you know he didn't want to put AJ in peace because he would just go out there? [McCarty] We can have them compete there and push both of them, and I like that position. ”
Last year, Jordan recorded 20 tackles and played in all 13 games as a true freshman. Meanwhile, McCarty sat out after transferring from Baylor due to NCAA transfer rules. The competition for stardom will be a focus of attention in fall training camp.
Another concern for Tech has always been the pass rush. With all four starting defensive linemen from last season gone, DeRuyter was asked who his top pass rushers will be this spring.
“That's a good question,” he said. “I thought Amir Washington did a really great job at the last minute. He's got to be more disciplined not to go offside. He's got a great start.” [but] Sometimes he doesn't get his timing right.
“We got Braylon Rigsby back this week and he really shined at times as an inside rusher. Those two guys are doing a really great job, but we'll see as we move forward. “Again, these are young guys who haven't played yet.'' There's a lot of college football, but these guys have the material and we're looking forward to working with them. ”
De Ruyter was asked who has improved the most among the young players who have been thrust into important roles this spring.
“Probably a few guys you know,” he said. ”[Linebacker] John Currie…I thought he really stepped up.I think [defensive back] Jaylon Peoples has really stepped up. I think corner Mo Horn is playing better than anyone on our defense right now, so it's good to see him really step up.
“I like Duda being here. You know in the three years he's been there, every year he's improved and sometimes guys say, 'OK, the older guys are gone, and you 'I know I'll take over that,' he'll come out and think he's done a really good job because he's working.
“I think Quincey did a good job with that as well. Those two guys need to be more consistent, but they've done a great job of picking up the slack because the two veterans have about 6,000 reps left as Red Raiders.” 'I'm not here anymore.' ”
Texas Tech was forced to cancel this year's spring game due to inclement weather expected in Midland on Saturday. So we'll have to wait until August 31st to see De Ruyter's new defense in action. That's why it's interesting to look back at what he said about where that unit is now that spring is over.
