Texas Tech starting defensive lineman listed as questionable for week one

Texas Tech Defensive Lineman Listed as Questionable for Week One

The Texas Tech football program has designated starting nose tackle Quincy Ledet Jr. as questionable for the season opener against Abilene Christian. This year, Texas Tech is being more transparent about its injury updates, providing information every Monday and 45 minutes before each game.

Ledet appears on the injury list due to a lower leg injury. Additionally, two other defenders—junior outside linebacker Charles Esters III and redshirt freshman defensive back Javeon Wilcox—are listed as out for the game. However, Ledet’s absence would be felt the most.

This season, Ledet is expected to fill the role of Jaylon Hutchings, who is currently seeking an opportunity in the NFL. Last season, Hutchings recorded 44 tackles (7.5 for loss) and accumulated 193 tackles in his career, making him one of the program’s most physical and reliable defensive tackles.

Ledet, weighing 315 pounds, served as Hutchings’ primary backup last year with 20 tackles. Now that he has secured the starting position, his debut might be delayed due to his injury.

If Ledet cannot play, Texas Tech anticipates a strong performance against Abilene Christian, as they plan to rotate six defensive tackles this season.

There are actually two senior defensive tackles listed behind Ledet on the depth chart. De’Braylon Carroll, a super-senior who played five seasons at Rice, is second on the list, with a career total of 42 appearances and 101 tackles.

James Hansen, a transfer from Nevada, is third on the depth chart at nose tackle. Also a super-senior in his first year as a Red Raider, he has played in 29 games and made 46 tackles during his college career.

The Red Raiders would obviously prefer Ledet to be ready for the weekend. However, since they are facing an FCS opponent, it would be wise not to take any unnecessary risks if he isn’t fully healthy.

Additionally, throughout the offseason, head coach Joey McGuire and defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter have emphasized the team’s depth on the defensive side. This depth may now be called upon in their first game of the season.