Texas Tech’s switch to a 3-4 defensive alignment has been ideal for Brian Duncan.

The new scheme has allowed Duncan to switch from middle linebacker to a hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end position, where he has collected sacks, raised his profile and perhaps boosted his pro prospects.

Through Tech’s first three games, Duncan and Army’s Josh McNary lead the nation in sacks with five each, and Tech (12 sacks) trails only Florida State (13) for the national lead in sacks.

“This defense allows a lot of versatility on the field,” said Duncan, a 6-1, 248-pound senior from Baton Rouge, La. “It puts more athletes on the field.

“Plus, the offense will never know what kind of coverage we’re in because we’re always disguising it. We have guys that are strong in those positions and are able to play those positions.”

Duncan said it’s not that the defense Tech employed under former coordinator Ruffin McNeil wasn’t effective. Duncan led the Red Raiders in tackles as a sophomore (94) and a junior (88).

But under defensive coordinator James Willis’ scheme, Duncan’s role can change from play to play.

“They have me down, they have me up and they have me in (pass) coverage,” Duncan said. “I’m kind of a hybrid position, and I love it.

“The defense we used under Coach Ruff was a good defense, and so is this one.”

Duncan had a game-high three sacks in Tech’s season-opening win against SMU, which was 16 1/2 sacks more than Duncan recorded in his first three seasons at Tech.

“I give credit, again, to the defensive line and to the defense,” Duncan said. “Just the scheme itself; we didn’t do a lot of twists and different things like that.”

Duncan had a sack two weeks ago against New Mexico and one last week against Texas, and is on watch lists for various national defensive honors.

Willis has lauded the play of Duncan and another senior, Bront Bird, who switched from outside linebacker to Duncan’s old middle linebacker spot.

“It is always a luxury and a pleasure when you have senior leadership in your core,” Willis said. “When you get to a game, guys can play.”

If Tech’s younger players can follow Duncan’s lead, their future could be bright.