The biggest names returning to the Texas Tech football team may be on the offensive side of the ball, but the defense brings back a number of highly-productive players that will be relied upon during the 2024 season.

Here's a look at the five best returners to Tim DeRuyter's defense that are names to note for the Red Raiders.

Jacob Rodriguez, boundary inside linebacker

The former quarterback has been stellar for the Red Raiders when he's been on the field. Rodriguez missed eight games last season with a foot injury he suffered in the season opener against Wyoming. He maintained a redshirt year because of it, but was also named the most outstanding defensive player of the Independence Bowl and had 32 tackles in five games.

Ben Roberts, field inside linebacker

When Rodriguez was sidelined, it was Ben Roberts who stepped in. The result was being named the Big 12's co-defensive freshman of the year after totaling 107 tackles. Now Roberts and Rodriguez will be a formidable duo in the middle of the Texas Tech defense.

C.J. Baskerville, boundary defensive back

It was a good first season in a Red Raider uniform for Baskerville, who began the year at the STAR position before moving to deep safety later in the season. Baskerville was second on the team in tackles with 78, including 4.5 for a loss of yardage. He also came up with a pair of interceptions and was credited with five pass breakups and two quarterback hurries.

Bralyn Lux, cornerback

Lux only officially had one interception last season but he had a number of others wiped off due to defensive penalties elsewhere. Regardless, the Fresno State transfer was the most impressive player when Tech opened camp a year ago and he provided the boost in the secondary the team needed, tying for a team-high eight pass breakups.

Joseph Adedire, Boundary outside linebacker

Early last season, there was a chance Joseph Adedire would have been given a redshirt. That didn't turn out to be the case, and much of it is because of his stability and availability. Adedire had 25 tackles (four for a loss of yards) in 12 games for the Red Raiders and he'll now be tasked with more after the departures of Myles Cole and Steve Linton.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech football's 5 best returning defensive players