The attention Texas Tech formerly placed on offense influenced the breakdown for Tommy Tuberville's first recruiting class.

Defense became a priority. Eighteen of the Red Raiders' 25 signees were designated for that side of the football.

"There's a reason for that. We need more defensive players," said Tuberville, who was hired as Tech's coach following the Dec. 30 firing of Mike Leach. "The one area that we really needed players was defensive linemen, and we signed eight."

Speed was an attribute Tuberville said he gauged with all recruits.

Although defense was the focal point, the new Tech staff retained the most prized recruit who originally committed to Leach. ...More