With Tony Bradford Jr. leaving, the Texas Tech defensive line faces a significant void. Can Dooda Banks step up and make a difference?
Texas Tech will showcase a completely revamped defensive line in 2024, as every starter along the line of scrimmage will be new this fall.
One crucial player to replace is Tony Bradford Jr., who graduated after last season, leaving a substantial gap in the Red Raider defense.
A four-year starter and former 4-star recruit, Bradford concluded his time in Lubbock with 148 tackles and 15.0 sacks. Notably, he achieved a career-high 43 tackles in 2023.
Bradford’s contributions extended beyond his on-field performance; he was a key leader, and his presence in the locker room will be sorely missed.
Taking his place could be E’Maurion “Dooda” Banks. The Wichita Falls, Texas native has been indicated as the starter for Bradford’s defensive tackle position in the Red Raiders’ post-spring depth chart.
A three-star recruit from the class of 2021, he was ranked as one of the top 100 players in Texas, making it only a matter of time before he was called to start for the Red Raiders. But is he prepared for this chance?
So far, Banks has primarily played a backup role behind Bradford, who rarely came off the field during critical moments. In fact, Banks’ most notable achievement to date is the fourth-quarter blocked PAT that helped secure a one-point victory for the Red Raiders in last season’s 24-23 game against UCF in Lubbock.
Dooda Banks was the one who blocked the PAT that was the difference in Texas Tech’s 24-23 win over UCF.
Banks said Tony Bradford Jr. told him after the touchdown, “Let’s just go block it.” Banks did it, and funny enough, he said he did it with his forearm. #WreckEm pic.twitter.com/TTVNKYdwYN
— KTXT Sports 🌵 (@KTXT_Sports) November 19, 2023
A three-star recruit from the class of 2021, he was ranked as one of the top 100 players in Texas, making it only a matter of time before he was called to start for the Red Raiders. But is he prepared for this chance?
So far, Banks has primarily played a backup role behind Bradford, who rarely came off the field during critical moments. In fact, Banks’ most notable achievement to date is the fourth-quarter blocked PAT that helped secure a one-point victory for the Red Raiders in last season’s 24-23 game against UCF in Lubbock.
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