The Texas Tech football team is on a mission to strengthen its secondary, which faced challenges this season. On Monday, Amier Boyd-Matthews, a cornerback from Texas-El Paso, committed to the Red Raiders. According to reports, he had drawn interest from various schools during his time in the NCAA transfer portal. Boyd-Matthews, standing at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, had an impressive season with UTEP, starting in four out of nine games and recording 16 tackles, three pass breakups, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery.

Key Transfers and Their Impact

Boyd-Matthews isn't the only addition to Tech's secondary. Safety Cole Wisniewski from North Dakota State, along with cornerbacks Dontae Balfour from UNC-Charlotte and Brice Pollock from Mississippi State, have also joined the transfer portal haul. These additions bring diverse skills and experiences to the team.Before Boyd-Matthews' commitment, Tech's transfer-portal collection was highly ranked. On3 ranked them No. 1, 247Sports placed them at No. 3, and Rivals had them at No. 5. This shows the team's active pursuit of talent to improve their defensive backfield.Tech coach Joey McGuire has stated his intention to sign 10 to 12 players from the transfer portal. Currently, there are still some needs on the team that need to be filled, such as an experienced running back, a tight end, defensive tackles or edge players, a kicker, and possibly another offensive lineman.In terms of pass defense, Tech is currently next-to-last among 133 FBS teams, allowing 305.3 yards per game. The upcoming Liberty Bowl against Arkansas on Dec. 27 will be a crucial test for the team's improved secondary.Boyd-Matthews initially signed with UTEP out of Phoenix Mountain Pointe High School. He has gained valuable experience over the years, playing in four games as a freshman, starting three, and in 11 games as a redshirt freshman. His arrival adds depth and competition to the Tech secondary.The addition of these transfer portal players comes at a time when the team is facing certain challenges. Assuming federal Judge Claudia Wilken gives final approval on April 7 to the House v. NCAA case, football team rosters will be capped at 105 players next season. Tech is currently well above that number going into the spring semester. For example, former Tech wide receiver Micah Hudson committed to Texas A&M on Sunday, trimming the roster by one.During spring practice, which will be a competition for roster spots due to the terms of the House settlement agreement not taking effect until July 1, these new transfers will have the opportunity to prove themselves and make an impact on the team.The Texas Tech football team is working hard to address their secondary issues and build a stronger defense. With these transfer portal additions, they are taking significant steps in the right direction.