Roberts named Freshman All-American by FWAA
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech redshirt freshman linebacker Ben Roberts was named Tuesday a Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA).
Roberts was one of four linebackers recognized on the FWAA’s lone team, becoming the first Red Raider to garner Freshman All-America accolades since Austin McNamara in 2019. He is only the second Red Raider linebacker all-time to collect the honor by any organization, joining Brian Duncan, who was recognized in 2007.
Roberts is the sixth Red Raider to earn a Freshman All-America nod from the FWAA since the organization created the award in 2001. He joins a list that not only includes McNamara but also Adrian Frye (2018), Le’Raven Clark (2012), Michael Crabtree (2007) and Colby Whitlock (2007).
It is a fitting honor for Roberts, who shared the FBS lead among freshman with 107 total tackles on the season alongside Alabama defensive back Caleb Downs. Dating back to the 1980 season, Roberts leads all Texas Tech freshmen in tackles as he snapped the previous high of 104 stops that was set by Donald Harris in 1987.
Roberts began the season as a reserve linebacker, moving his way into the starting rotation week two against Oregon. He recorded 12 tackles against the Ducks, the first of six outings with double-digit stops on the year for Roberts, who led all freshmen linebackers nationally in total tackles. He also ranked second in the FBS among freshmen for total tackles per game.
Roberts, ultimately, ran away with the team high for tackles as defensive back C.J. Baskerville finished second overall with 78 stops of his own. In the process, Roberts joined current Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks as the only Red Raider freshmen to lead the team in tackles since the Red Raiders joined the Big 12 Conference in 1996.
His development spearheaded a Red Raider defense that closed the season allowing only 26.0 points per game following a 34-14 victory over Cal in the Radiant Technologies Independence Bowl. It marked the lowest scoring average by Texas Tech’s opponents since 2009.
Roberts, a native of Haslet, Texas, was also recognized following the season as the Big 12 Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year by the conference coaches as well as a second team Freshman All-American by The Athletic. He is the first Red Raider in program history to be honored with the league’s top defensive freshman award.
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Release provided by Matt Dowdy Texas Tech Athletics
