New coach Tommy Tuberville emphasized defense. The eight defensive line recruits represent nearly one-third of the signing class. Junior college transfers Scott Smith and Lawrence Rumph should immediately find spots on Tech's depth chart.

For next season, at least, Tech is set at quarterback with Taylor Potts and Steven Sheffield. But Scotty Young of Denton Ryan could be the heir apparent, after throwing 129 TD passes in two incredibly productive seasons.

Tech lost two potential contributors early on signing day. Receiver Kadron Boone of Ocala, Fla., who had committed to Tech when Mike Leach was the coach, signed with LSU. And mammoth offensive lineman Eric Lawson stayed at home, choosing Mississippi State.

Junior college signee Donald Langley spent time in the Tennessee program. ... New defensive coordinator James Willis called DE Lawrence Cayou "a steal, a diamond in the rough." Cayou had 17 sacks as a senior in New Orleans. ... CB Philip Warren had 10 sacks last season from the secondary, in addition to punting and running two kickoffs back for touchdowns.

"We took seven offensive players and 18 defensive players. There's a reason for that. We need more defensive players. The one area we really need players was at the defensive linemen position, and we signed eight. That will pay dividends for us." - Tommy Tuberville

Official 2010 Texas Tech football signing list:

Dartwan Bush, DL, 6-1, 255, Brazoswood HS, Clute, Texas

Aleon Calhoun, OL, 6-7, 315, Navasota (Texas) HS

Joe Carmical, LB, 6-2, 231, Monticello (Ark.) HS

Beau Carpenter, OLl, 6-7, 275, Sulphur Springs (Texas) HS

Lawrence Cayou, DL, 6-3, 230, McDonogh 35 HS, New Orleans

Coby Coleman, DL, 6-3, 283, Frankston (Texas) HS

Shawn Corker, WR, 6-1, 180, Cardinal Gibbons HS, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Delans Griffin, RB, 6-0, 180, Clinton (Okla.) HS

Cqulin Hubert, LB, OLB, 6-1, 215, Eisenhower HS, Houston

Urell Johnson, DB, db, 6-0, 176, O. Perry Walker HS, New Orleans

Mike Jones, DL, 6-3, 267, Kempner HS, Sugar Land, Texas

Donald Langley, DL, 6-2, 295, Copiah-Lincoln (Miss.) CC

Desmond Martin, DB, 6-0, 178, Stony Point HS, Round Rock, Texas

Benjamin McRoy, Athlete, 5-10, 163, Lakeland (Fla.) HS

James Polk, OL, 6-7, 290, Elsik HS, Houston

Russell Polk, DB, 5-11, 200, Carter HS, Dallas

Tre'Vante Porter, DB, 6-0, 176, Carl Albert HS, Midwest City, Okla.

Jackson Richards, DE, 6-4, 240, Carroll HS, Southlake, Texas

Lawrence Rumph, DE, 6-4, 275, Navarro (Texas) JC

Brandon Smith, DB, 6-1, 175, Central LaFourche HS, Raceland, La.

Scott Smith, DL, 6-7, 275, Butler (Kan.) CC

Phillip Warren, DB, 5-9, 175, Southridge HS, Miami

LaVaughn Whigham, Athlete, 6-1, 180, Southridge HS, Miami

Zach Winbush, LB, 6-2, 205, Clemens HS, Schertz, Texas

Scotty Young, QB, 6-3, 190, Ryan HS, Denton, Texas