Texas Tech Red Raiders Defensive Players To Watch vs. Texas Longhorns

The Texas Tech Red Raiders will take on the Texas Longhorns in the last regular season matchup of 2023.

This season, the Texas Tech Red Raiders returned six starters on defense, so the words that would sum up the Red Raiders' defenders are 'mature' and 'experienced'.

Their defense had a standout season last year, totaling 31 sacks which was ranked at No. 1 in the Big 12. In all of FBS last season, Tech was recorded as the ninth-best red zone defense. 

This season, however, Texas Tech is ranked at No. 6 in both scoring defense (24.3) and total defense (383.0), and has emerged as one of the top defenses in the conference.

So who should the Longhorns look out for when the Red Raiders head to Austin on Friday night? Here are the Red Raiders' defensive players the Longhorns will need to keep a close eye on.

Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Back Dadrion Taylor-Demerson

Taylor-Demerson is having a stand-out season this year. He has totaled 62 total tackles, recording 48 on his own.  On top of that, the defensive back leads the Red Raiders' defensive roster with four interceptions this season. 

Linebacker Ben Roberts

Robers is dominating the stats sheet this season in terms of total tackles, recording 87 (47 solo and 40 assisted). Besides that, he has contributed one interception this year and has recorded 0.5 sacks.

Senior Lineman Jaylon Hutchings

Hutchings has recorded 44 total tackles this season, 22 solo and 22 assisted. Additionally, the senior lineman is tied with linebacker Myles Cole for the most sacks this year on Texas Tech's defense with 3.5.