LUBBOCK, Texas – Now that the dust has settled it’s safe to say that this was the most successful NFL Draft in school history for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Following Saturday’s first and second-round selections of Michael Crabtree and Darcel McBath, respectively, offensive guard Louis Vasquez and defensive end Brandon Williams earned their way in during the third and fourth rounds Sunday to San Diego and Dallas.
Throughout the history of the NFL Draft, only twice have multiple Red Raiders been selected in the first four rounds – 1980: James Hadnot (3rd) and Larry Flowers (4th) – 1986: Tim Crawford (3rd) and Carl Carter (4th). Overall the four players are the most since the 1980 draft, when five players were selected. This year’s number ranks fourth for Tech as the 1969 and 1978 teams, along with the 1980 squad, produced five NFL Draft picks each.
Vasquez, the highest drafted offensive lineman in school history, is the fifth Texas Tech lineman taken since the 2005 draft when Dylan Gandy (Indianapolis) and Daniel Loper (Tennessee) were taken in the fourth and fifth rounds. E.J. Whitley was selected in the seventh round by Dallas in 2006, while Manny Ramirez was selected in the fourth round by Detroit the following year.
Williams, who opted to leave following an All-Big 12 junior season in 2008, was the reigning league sacks champion with 13 a year ago. Additionally, he will go down as one of the top five career sack artists in school history. Vasquez dominated the interior for three years as a starter and quickly established himself as a sophomore as one of the nation’s premier linemen. For his efforts, he was named a third-team All-America selection by the Associated Press last season.
Michael Crabtree, WR- Round 1; Pick 10; San Franciso 49ers
Darcel McBath, S- Round 2; Pick 48; Denver Broncos
Louis Vasquez, OL- Round 3; Pick 78; San Diego Chargers
Brandon Williams, DE- Round 4; Pick 120; Dallas Cowboys
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