Texas Tech Defense Aims for Turnaround Under New Coordinator Tim DeRuyter
With high expectations entering the 2025 season, Texas Tech is placing a renewed emphasis on its defense under the guidance of veteran defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter. After an up-and-down 2024 campaign, where the Red Raiders struggled with consistency on the defensive side, DeRuyter and his staff are aiming to establish a more disciplined, aggressive unit.
This offseason, DeRuyter has focused on simplifying the scheme and emphasizing fundamentals. The goal is to allow players to play faster, reduce mental errors, and increase their ability to create turnovers—something the team lacked in critical moments last year. “We’ve got the talent,” DeRuyter said during a spring press conference. “Now it’s about trust, communication, and execution.”
Key returners like linebacker Jacob Rodriguez and safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson are expected to anchor the defense and provide much-needed leadership. Rodriguez, a vocal presence on the field, has already taken younger teammates under his wing, helping them understand reads and positioning. Taylor-Demerson, who led the team in interceptions last season, is expected to take another leap as one of the Big 12’s top safeties.
Transfer additions like defensive end Marcus Bradley from Maryland and cornerback Elijah Brown from UCLA have also bolstered the depth chart, bringing experience and physicality to a unit looking for more edge in the trenches and tighter coverage on the back end.
Texas Tech’s defense is also focusing on situational football—particularly third downs and red zone execution—two areas that proved costly in close games last year. If improvements hold through fall camp, the Red Raiders could see a significant defensive turnaround, which would be key to their hopes of contending for a Big 12 title.
The pressure is on, but the players and staff believe this could be a breakthrough year for Tech’s defense.
