Effort first: Shiel Wood on Red Raider defense
The wait is over in Lubbock. Texas Tech opens the 2025 season on Saturday against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and new defensive coordinator Shiel Wood spoke with the media Monday about what to expect in his first game as a Red Raider defensive coordinator. Known for transforming defenses at Tulane and Houston, Wood isn’t focused on flashy stats or yardage totals — his message is simple: play fast, play physical, and play harder than anyone else in the country.
From speculation to reality: week one arrives
The countdown is over — Texas Tech football opens the 2025 season against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and defensive coordinator Shiel Wood knows the conversation is shifting from offseason hype to on-field reality.
“You’re going to see 11 guys on the field defensively who are going to play really hard,” Wood said. “Great leverage on the football — both in the passing game and the running game — that’s what we want fans to be proud of.”
Stats are for losers — effort is the metric
When asked about benchmarks like holding Pine Bluff under 200 yards, Wood pushed back. For him, numbers aren’t the focus — playing fast, hard, and with urgency is.
“The thing that’s going to make me the most proud is if we run to the ball better than any team in America,” Wood explained. “If we do that, the results will take care of themselves.”
This mirrors his coaching track record at Tulane and Houston, where defenses climbed national rankings through detail, discipline, and effort rather than flashy statistics.
Player spotlight: AJ Holmes and Defensive Depth
Transfer lineman AJ Holmes has turned heads throughout camp.
“He was a good player for us last year, but since coming to Texas Tech he has elevated his game to a different level,” Wood said. “He has really improved in his fundamentals, both in the run game and as a pass rusher. I’m excited to see him have an outstanding year.”
Wood also noted that the defensive line rotation — including Holmes and Dooda Banks — will be finalized as the season unfolds. “Every year it takes time to solidify how much each guy needs to play,” he added.
Emerging playmakers: John Curry and David Bailey
Linebacker John Curry stood out during camp by mastering multiple roles.
“It’s been pretty evident he’s a guy that can make a lot of plays for us,” Wood said. “The fact that he can play both Will linebacker and Star speaks to his processing ability and preparation.”
Newcomer David Bailey also drew praise. “He’s strong in the run game, explosive off the edge, and has gotten up to speed quickly,” Wood said. “We couldn’t be happier with his work ethic and his fit with our team.”
Communication and leadership on the back end
Strong safety Brenden Jordan will wear the green dot this year, taking over defensive communication from Jacob Rodriguez.
“Our safeties have so many responsibilities — run fits, pass techniques, motion adjustments,” Wood explained. “For BJ, being on the wide side of the field makes it a natural fit for him to carry that role.”
Sideline presence over press box view
Wood confirmed he’ll call games from the field instead of the press box.
“The advantage for me is being able to look a player in the eye and make adjustments in real time,” Wood said. “That connection outweighs the wider view you might get upstairs.”
Looking ahead
As kickoff approaches, Wood’s message remains clear: effort, communication, and urgency will define Texas Tech’s defense in 2025.
“Playing downhill means you know your assignment, you know your eyes, you know where you need to align,” Wood explained. “When you’re doing those things, the results take care of themselves.”
With fresh talent, experienced transfers, and a coordinator who has engineered turnarounds before, the Red Raiders believe they can set the tone early — not by chasing numbers, but by playing faster and harder than anyone else.
