Brooks stock is rising

Texas Tech made defense a priority right away with its 2016 recruiting class,

and the numbers back that up. Fourteen of the Red Raiders' 24 commits are on the

defensive side of the ball, with four of those slated to play linebacker. Houston Stratford outside linebacker Jordyn Brooks

is arguably the bellcow of that group.

WHAT'S NEXT?:

The 5.5 three-star committed to the Red Raiders in July over offers from Missouri, Washington, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, UCF and several others. Brooks is very dense for a high school linebacker at 6-foot-1, 232 pounds

-- the kind of size Texas Tech needs at that position. As a senior, Brooks has been blowing up ball carriers and wreaking havoc, he currently has 60 tackles on the season, six tackles for losses, four forced fumbles, an interception and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. His production has not gone unnoticed, as programs

continue to check in on him. Brooks still plans to visit Texas Tech after the season and "doesn't know right now" if he will take additional visits.

IN HIS WORDS:

"Schools are coming in. I received an offer from Arkansas a week ago and I've been hearing from Texas A&M, also expecting to hear from Oklahoma soon."

OUR REACTION:

The Red Raiders jumped on Brooks early, and his production this fall has shown that their decision to make him a priority and earn a commitment was well worth it. Now they'll have to try and hold onto him as the Razorbacks, Aggies and others try to force their way into the picture.

-- Will McKay