Texas Tech's Skyler Gill-Howard has surgery on ankle, expected back for CFP: Source

Skyler Gill-Howard has 9 tackles, 0.5 sacks and one interception. He has been one of many highest-graded defensive tackles within the nation, in accordance with Professional Soccer Focus. John E. Moore III / Getty Photos

Texas Tech star defensive sort out Skyler Gill-Howard had surgical procedure Thursday in Dallas after struggling an ankle harm throughout final week’s recreation towards Kansas, a crew supply informed The Athletic. The plan, the supply stated, is that Gill-Howard might be again in time for the Faculty Soccer Playoff, if 6-0 Texas Tech finally ends up making the 12-team subject.

The 6-foot-1, 290-pound senior has 9 tackles, 0.5 sacks and one interception and has been one of many highest-graded defensive tackles within the nation, in accordance with Professional Soccer Focus. He’s one in every of a number of transfers who’ve helped flip the Crimson Raiders into Playoff contenders.

Gill-Howard started his school profession at Division II Higher Iowa College earlier than spending the previous three seasons at Northern Illinois.

The No. 7 Crimson Raiders lead the nation in run protection and have gained all six of their video games by a minimum of 24 factors.

Texas Tech’s line of defense has been a crew power this season. A.J. Holmes Jr., a switch from Houston the place he was a starter, stepped in after Gill-Howard went down on the fifth play towards KU. Holmes had 4 tackles and two sacks within the recreation. Texas Tech had 14 tackles for loss and 9 sacks within the 42-17 win.

Texas Tech visits Arizona State on Saturday.