is one that's over before lunch!
Some thoughts on activities in the Dallas proper area in the past 24 hours or so...
- Welcome to Brad Richards. To mi amigos in Tampa...sorry to hear about your loss. Last night, Richards tied a franchise record with 5 assists to lead to the Stars to a 7-4 blowout victory over the hapless Chicago Blackhawks. Hopefully he brings the Stars the much needed spark to get out of the 1st round of the playoffs.
- Avery Johnson is arguably the most hated man in Dallas this morning. Everybody is placing the blame for last night's loss to the Spurs on him. He chose to bench Jason Kidd for the final possession and his answer of, "We wanted our shooters on the floor," just isn't going to cut it. Kidd can hit a big shot...and do everything Avery should want in that situation. He can execute a pick and roll, he can drive the lane and is the best in the business at finding an open man (Dirk or Stack were WIDE open when Jet drove to the hoop) or taking an easy layup if nobody is open. Instead...we have fans calling for his head.
- John McCain had a rally at Texas Instruments HQ's maybe 2 miles from my house and I had no idea about it. Good thing they didn't shut down 75 and/or 635. That would've ruined my drive home! Obama was in Ft Worth...I think he's finished on Dallas visits. I'd be interested in going to a rally for each just to see the differences in the atmosphere at the events. Better not let word of that get around to my parents.
Friday, February 29, 2008
The best kind of Friday...
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Bob Knight hired by ESPN
BRISTOL, Conn. (AP) — Bob Knight has been hired by ESPN as a guest studio analyst for the NCAA tournament.
Knight retired as coach at Texas Tech on Feb. 4, with his son Pat Knight taking over.
The Hall of Fame coach will begin work for ESPN March 12 during the conference tournaments. He will provide analysis through the Final Four.
Knight's career has been highlighted by three national championships at Indiana and countless on-court outbursts.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Brian Duncan named a Finalist for AAU's Sulivan Award
DUNCAN AMONG FINALISTS FOR SULLIVAN AWARD
Honor presented annually to nation’s top amateur athlete, recognizes off-field community contributions
LUBBOCK, Texas - One could wonder by the appearance of Brian Duncan’s community service resume how the Texas Tech redshirt freshman linebacker has time for academics or football. Duncan has been recognized by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) as one of 11 finalists for its prestigious Sullivan Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top amateur athlete and heavily factors in community and leadership contributions.
AAU officials, U.S. Olympic Committee members and college sports information directors are among those who vote for the top amateur athlete. Fans can read bios on each finalist and cast their ballot at http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2008-02-21-sullivan-award_N.htm or on their mobile phones (text AAUVOTE1 to 44636 to vote for Duncan). The fan votes count one-third toward the final tally. Voting ends March 10 and the winner will be announced April 1.
Duncan, who carries a 3.15 grade point average in general business, has lent his time away from academics and football to leading, mentoring and assisting the youth in the Lubbock community. His list of community service projects is extensive and includes University Medical Center and Covenant Children’s Hospital visits, speaking at local elementary schools, conducting bible studies and speaking to various church youth groups.
The Big 12 Conference Fall Good Works Team member also participated on the NCAA Athletics Certification Self-Study Committee for Academic Integrity and currently serves as vice-president of the Texas Tech Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Duncan spent what little spare time he had during Gator Bowl preparations rehearsing for his role in a Christmas musical at Trinity Church, where he is a Praise Team member and bible study participant.
Duncan lists his involvement as head coach of the Tubbs Elementary fourth-grade basketball team as one of his most cherished projects, citing “the difference we make in these children’s lives, seeing them excel in school and keeping them focused on what’s important is what working with kids is all about.”
In his latest venture, Duncan has teamed up with former Lady Raider basketball coach Marsha Sharp in the United Future Leaders program, aimed at working with students from local grade schools on their leadership skills, civility and ethical decision making.
Duncan was one of the team leaders in tackles during Texas Tech’s Gator Bowl run last season and was named to the CollegeFootballNews.com Freshman All-America third team and Big 12 Conference All-Freshman squad. The Baton Rouge, La., native finished fifth on the team with 69 tackles and four tackles for loss.
Of the 11 Sullivan Award finalists, which include champions and world record holders in an array of sports, only Duncan and Florida quarterback Tim Tebow are collegiate football players. The other nine finalists include Jeff Lerg (Ice Hockey), Kristie Marano (Wrestling), Robert Pillow (Basketball), Brad Vering (Wrestling), Philippa Raschker (Track and Field), Angela Tincher (Softball), Jonathan Horton (Gymnastics), Thomas Finchum (Diving) and Jamie Lovemark (Golf).
Past winners of the award read like a who’s who of sport and include J.J. Reddick (2005), Michael Phelps (2003), Michelle Kwan (2001), Peyton Manning (1997), Florence Griffith-Joyner (1988), Jackie Joyner-Kersee (1986), Edwin Moses (1983), Carl Lewis (1981), Bill Walton (1973) and Bill Bradley (1965). The first award was presented to golfer Robert Trent Jones in 1930.
Brian Duncan’s community involvement since arriving at Texas Tech in 2006:
· Student Athlete Advisory Committee ? Vice President
· Covenant Children’s Hospital Visits
· UMC Hospital Visits
· Carillon Retirement Home Visit (once)
· Red Raider Play Day ? assisted plan and host event for 300 elementary students, Spring 2007
· 2006 Insight Bowl ? Community Service Project participant
· Willow Bend elementary, Frenship ISD - mentor program (weekly, Spring 2007)
· Wheatley Elementary Honor Society, Lubbock ISD ? speaking engagement
· Tubbs Elementary, Lubbock ISD - Coached 4th grade basketball team
· Iles Elementary, Lubbock ISD - Pep Rally appearance/autographs
· Willow Bend Elementary, Frenship ISD - Read to students
· Shallowater Elementary, Shallowater ISD - autographs/speaking engagement with football team
· Post ISD speaking engagement ? leadership program
· Trinity Church ? Bible Study participant, Easter presentation participant, Praise Team member, “Christmas Shoes” play actor and vocalist
· First Christian Church speaking engagements with youth groups
· CASA Organization ? speaking engagement
· Christmas at Trinity Church Activity Center ? appearance and gift distribution to underprivileged kids
· Trinity Activity Center Church back-to-school event for underprivileged kids ? appearance/autographs
· Mentor for Boys and Girls Club (three weeks)
· Boys and Girl Club Visits
· Texas Tech University Museum ? speaking engagement, Christmas gift distribution and tour with elementary students
· First Baptist Church ? children’s Fun Day, speaking engagement
· Texas Tech Football Team - Conducts chapel sessions
· Participant in Texas Tech Diversity Leadership Conference
· Nominee to NCAA National Leadership Conference
· FCA member
· Student participant on NCAA Athletics Certification Self-Study Committee for Academic Integrity
· ACTS Bible Ministry ? Athletic Advisor
· Texas Tech University Gospel Choir vocalist
· Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast volunteer
· United Future Leaders program participant
Tech's non-conference schedule getting some love...
CollegeFootballNews.com has out their Top 40 (plus one) non-conference games for 2008 and your Red Raiders made the list...twice!
41. SMU at Texas Tech, Sept. 13
Gear it up. June Jones and SMU will have a little bit of time to warm up the engines for a game that should be one of the biggest displays of offensive fireworks this season. One thing to note: SMU was 116th in the nation in pass defense last year and gave up 473 passing yards and four touchdown passes in last year's 49-9 loss.
38. Texas Tech at Nevada, Sept. 6
While this might not seem like that big a deal, it's not just Texas Tech's only non-conference road trip, it's also its only game against a 2007 bowl team until the October 18th trip to Texas A&M. If you like
While these numbers aren't very high on the list...it sure doesn't hurt to think that our 2 non-conf games vs 1A teams should draw at least SOME media exposure. Something is better than nothing!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Tech vs Baylor to be played Thanksgiving weekend
From Sports Information Director Chris Cook: Texas Tech extended its 2008 regular season by a week after making alterations to its schedule for the upcoming football season, the athletics department announced Monday. To accommodate a request made by the Big 12 Conference for its television package, the Red Raiders will face Oklahoma and Baylor a week later than the previously scheduled dates.
Only the dates change; the game locations remain the same. The Red Raiders will face Oklahoma on Nov. 22 in Norman, Okla., while the game against Baylor, originally scheduled for that date, will move back a week to Nov. 29 in Lubbock. With the move, Texas Tech gains an open date Nov. 15 and plays after Thanksgiving for the first time since facing Oklahoma State in Lubbock in 2004.
Texas Tech already has an open date Sept. 27, and will entertain two free weekends for the first time since the 2004 season. The Red Raiders host seven home games for the second time in the last four seasons and the third time since 2000, when Tech played host eight times at Jones AT&T Stadium.
The Red Raiders begin spring workouts March 26 and host the annual Red-Black Game on April 19.
2008 SCHEDULE
Aug. 30 Eastern Washington
Sept. 6 at Nevada
Sept. 13 SMU
Sept. 20 Massachusetts
Sept. 27 Open
Oct. 4 at Kansas State
Oct. 11 Nebraska
Oct. 18 at Texas A&M
Oct. 25 at Kansas
Nov. 1 Texas
Nov. 8 Oklahoma State
Nov. 15 Open
Nov. 22 at Oklahoma
Nov. 29 Baylor
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Wes Welker, Best Supporting Player
ESPN's Sportsnation has voted Wes Welker as Best Supporting Player for 2007. Below are the voting tally's with the "best player" in ()'s:
Danny Amendola at the Combine today
QB, WR, and RB's are up today at the combine. Danny is WR #1 (sorted by last name) in Group 4 so keep an eye out for him. So far his numbers are:
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Thoughts from the Athletic Dept clearance sale
I stopped by the sale of football related items via the Double T Zone and Tech Athletic Dept on Saturday @ the Jones. They had game used helmets, at least 8 different styles of jersey (including the last 4 designs worn by Tech), a few hundred pairs of Under Armour cleats and all sorts of clothing items. Of particular note...the Raider Power initiative t-shirts were available for $6...and I counted at least 18 boxes of full shirts laying around at the sale. Anyways...I found this t-shirt rather amusing:
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
What went on in Memphis tonight???
#1 Memphis 68
Why I like Knight
Scenario: late 1st half...Tech up 36-26 vs K-State. Michael Beasley drives to the basket but is called for a travel. He disagrees with the call and pushes over Michael Prince (possibly inadvertant). He is immediately called for a technical foul. You immediately hear the student section start chanting, "Beasley Sucks!!!"
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Tomorrow is "Pat Knight Day"
(Texas Tech Media Relations)
LUBBOCK MAYOR PROCLAIMS WEDNESDAY “PAT KNIGHT DAY”Newly appointed Texas Tech basketball leader coaches first home game against Kansas State
LUBBOCK, Texas - City of Lubbock Mayor David Miller has proclaimed Wednesday “Pat Knight Day” to officially welcome Texas Tech’s new basketball coach to his position. Knight took over the reins of the Red Raider basketball program early last week, replacing his legendary father, Bob Knight, following the latter’s resignation last Monday.
Pat Knight’s first head coaching duties came in the form of a pair of Big 12 Conference road games last week, but he brings his Red Raider basketball team back to United Spirit Arena on Wednesday for a conference tilt against conference North Division foe and 18th-ranked Kansas State. Tip-off is 8 p.m. CT
Following a four-year collegiate playing career at Indiana, Knight joined the staff of the NBA's Phoenix Suns, where he served as an administrative assistant and scout. In 1997, he was an assistant coach to the Continental Basketball Association’s Connecticut Pride.
In 1998, Knight was named to his first head coaching position as the leader of the Wisconsin Blast of the International Basketball Association. After a 3-5 start, he led his team to a 16-10 record over the last 26 games for a 19-15 overall mark, the fourth best in the league.
Knight earned his playing experience at Indiana University from 1991-1995. A four-year letterwinner with a redshirt season, Knight graduated in 1995 with a degree in sports management. During his collegiate career, IU made five NCAA appearances and played in the 1993 Elite Eight. Indiana also won Big Ten titles in 1991 and 1993.
When Indiana University played Texas Tech in the inaugural United Spirit Arena game on Nov. 19, 1999, Knight praised the state-of-the-art facility for players and fans and then reflected upon what it might be like to someday coach at Texas Tech University and call the United Spirit Arena home.
After serving as an assistant at Indiana for two years and one as an assistant coach with the Zips of the University of Akron, that reflection became reality at Texas Tech.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
This should make the highlight reel
In somewhat related news...
LSU will open the season vs Appalachian State. One thing of particular note in the article:
LSU senior associate athletic director Verge Ausberry made the agreement Friday with Appalachian State after failing to persuade Texas Tech to play the season opener in Tiger Stadium.I had heard rumors that LSU was trying to work out a home and home with Tech where they would come to Lubbock in 2010. That surprised me because I don't know why LSU ever come to Lubbock...they don't have to. Also, I'm glad this game didn't happen. Texas Tech has little to nothing to gain by opening the season vs (and even worse AT) LSU. Yes there is a nice reward in that Tech would probably move up to between 5-10 in the early polls (they'll likely start somewhere between 10-20 right now)...but the risk just isn't worth it. Consider that Kansas started the year ranked about 60th (between 44th and 77th depending on the poll)...went 11-1 and made the BCS. Tech will start somewhere in the Top 20 so they could go 10-2 and either make a BCS game or play in the Cotton Bowl. There is no need to risk a loss early in a season with this much potential. Play a good 1-AA in Eastern Washington (65th in final Sagarin Rankings, lost to App St by 3 in the 1-AA playoffs) and ensure that you're undefeated heading into Big 12 play. With games @ A&M, Kansas, and OU this year...wins are at a premium so why risk giving one up?
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Tech adds Eastern Washington to 2008 Schedule
(from TTU Athletic Dept)
Feb. 7, 2008
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech added Eastern Washington University to the 2008 schedule Thursday, Tech Director of Athletics Gerald Myers announced. The game was scheduled following Tulsa's abrupt cancellation in January of a two-game series, originally scheduled over the next two seasons. The game will kickoff August 30 from Jones AT&T Stadium.
Eastern Washington University, located in Cheney, Wash., finished the 2007 season with a 9-4 record after advancing to the first round of the FCS playoffs, where the Eagles dropped a narrow 38-35 loss to eventual national champion Appalachian State. EWU ranked eighth nationally in final polls.
Following the season opener against EWU, the Red Raiders travel to Reno, Nev., for their first-ever meeting against the University of Nevada on Sept. 6. Tech meets SMU (Sept. 13) the following week in Lubbock, before hosting Massachusetts (Sept. 20).
The first open week since 2004 (Sept. 27) precedes the Big 12 Conference opener for Texas Tech at Kansas State (Oct. 4). Nebraska (Oct. 11) comes the Lubbock the following weekend and Tech travels to Texas A&M (Oct. 18) and Kansas (Oct. 25). Texas (Nov. 1) and Oklahoma State (Nov. 8) will face the Red Raiders in Lubbock and Oklahoma (Nov. 15) in Norman, before wrapping up the regular season against Baylor (Nov. 22) at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Recruiting Recap
Kicker
6-0, 210
Beaumont, Texas (Kelly HS)
Handled placekicking and punting duties for four seasons as a standout specialist for Kelly, also lining up at linebacker and running back during his high school career … served as the team’s primary running back his senior year and received first-team TAPPS Division I All-State honors after leading the Bulldog attack with 792 rushing yards and nine touchdowns … converted four of his five field goal attempts, including a long of 48 yards, and succeeded on 37-of his-38 extra points as a senior … also a second-team All-State selection as a punter after averaging 42.2 yards on his 24 attempts, and boomed a reported 80% of his kickoffs into the opponent’s endzone for touchbacks … successful on seven of his eight field goal attempts as a junior … ranked as the No. 7 kicking prospect in the nation by Scout.com … coached privately by noted kicking consultant Rocky Willingham … chose Tech over Air Force, Baylor and Mississippi.
Cody Davis
Defensive Back
6-2, 205
Stephenville, Texas (Stephenville HS)
An extremely productive high school player, he helped lead Stephenville to a combined 33-5 record during his three years as a starter in the defensive backfield … named an Associated Press Class 4A second-team All-State selection, and was voted the District 8-4A Defensive MVP after a senior season that saw him total 109 tackles, five tackles for loss 11 pass break-ups and four forced fumbles … chosen to the Abilene Reporter-News’ Class 4A/5A All Big Country Team following his final prep campaign … 2007 team finished the season with a 10-2 record, an average margin of victory of 29.2 points, and a berth in the area round of the Class 4A playoffs … noted for having scored a touchdown five different ways during his high school career … one of 11 defensive backs in the state to be named to the Lubbock Avalanche Journal’s ‘Top 100 for 2008’ … a first-team Class 4A All-State pick by both the AP and the Texas Sports Writers’ Association as a junior in 2007, after racking up 99 tackles, 21 pass break-ups, nine interceptions, seven forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries for the Yellow Jackets … rated a three-star prospect and the No. 58 safety in the nation by Scout.com … the No. 86 safety in the country according to ESPN Scouts Inc … also a member of the varsity basketball team at Stephenville … chose Tech over Baylor, Duke, Houston, Oklahoma State, Mississippi and Vanderbilt.
McKinner Dixon
Defensive End
6-3, 265
Cisco, Texas (Lufkin HS/Cisco Junior College)
Returns to the program after earning freshman All-America honors as a standout pass rusher for the Red Raiders in 2005 … an aggressive, physical presence up front, he racked up 26 total tackles, including six for loss and two sacks, appearing in 10 games during his rookie season at Tech … played the 2007 season at Cisco Junior College, finishing with 68 total tackles (45 solo) and leading the defense with nine sacks, while also forcing two fumbles and recording an interception in just nine games … an honorable mention All-Conference choice for a Wrangler team finished with a 7-3 record and an average margin of victory of 17.3 points … regarded as a four-star prospect and the No. 15 overall player in the nation on Rivals.com’s Junior College Top 50 for 2008 … rated a four-star prospect and the No. 11 junior college defensive end by Scout.com … listed as the No. 12 defender and No. 18 overall defender on the SuperPrep JUCO 100 for 2008 … chose Tech over Louisville and TCU, but held offers from Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas as a prep in 2005.
Seth Doege
Quarterback
6-2, 200
Wolfforth, Texas (Frenship HS)
One of the most promising prep quarterbacks in the state despite missing each of the last two seasons with injuries … displayed his abilities in 7-on-7 competitions for the Tigers, leading the team to the state tournament in College Station during the summer of 2007 … noted for his leadership, decision making and quick release, he appears to possess a number of qualities that will make him effective in operating the Tech offense … rated as a three-star prospect, the No. 4 quarterback and the No. 71 overall player in the state on Rivals.com’s Texas Top 100 for 2008 … also listed as the No. 18 overall pro-style passer in the nation by Rivals … a three-star player according to Scout.com … a member of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal’s ‘Top 100’ for 2008 … ranked the No. 4 quarterback and No. 43 overall player in the state on SuperPrep’s ‘Texas 110 for 2008’ … saw his last full-contact action as a sophomore, completing 115-of-171 attempts (67.2%) for 2,439 yards and 27 touchdowns at Crane High School in 2005 … also carried the ball 78 times, gaining 526 yards and adding three touchdowns on the ground his sophomore year … attended Texas Tech Football Camp prior to his junior year … will enroll for the spring semester and could be rehabilitated in time to join the team for off-season workouts … chose Tech over interest from Florida, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Purdue.
Cornelius Douglas
Athlete
5-9,180
Lawton, Oklahoma (Lawton HS)
A gifted athlete with a dynamic skill set, he appeared at quarterback, defensive back and as a return man for Lawton … chosen as an honorable mention All-State selection on offense by The Tulsa World following his senior season …a first-team Class 6A All-State choice on defense by OKPrepXtra.com … completed 62-of-121 pass attempts for 828 yards and nine touchdowns from the quarterback position, also rushing for 413 yards and 14 scores during senior season en route to being named the District 1-6A Offensive Player of the Year … engineered the No. 4 ranked rush offense in Class 6A in 2007, a group that averaged 234.4 yards per contest … led his Wolverines team to a 7-4 record and a berth in the Class 6A state playoffs his senior year… also averaged a reported 42.5 yards per attempt on 10 punts in 2007 … completed 67-of-131 attempts as a junior, netting 1,033 passing yards and 10 touchdowns, while also picking up 612 yards and adding 11 scores on the ground … rated a three-star prospect and listed as the No. 3 athlete and No. 9 overall player in the state on Rivals.com’s Oklahoma Top 25 for 2008 … ranked the No. 53 overall player in SuperPrep Magazine’s ‘Midlands 86 for 2008’ a list that features the top players from a region encompassing 11 states … chose Tech over offers from Iowa State, Kansas State, New Mexico and Tulsa.
Joey Fowler
Defensive Lineman
6-4, 271
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Westmoore HS)
A tremendously strong high school prospect, he projects as a defensive end, but has the frame to move inside at the next level … a three-star player and the No. 37 strongside defensive end in the country according to Rivals.com … also the No. 3 defender and No. 12 overall player in the state on Rivals’ Oklahoma Top 25 for 2008 … a three-star recruit listed as the No. 33 defensive end in the nation by Scout.com … ranked the No. 40 overall prospect on SuperPrep’s ‘Midlands 86 for 2008’, a region that encompasses 11 states … rated the No.31 defensive end in the country by ESPN Scouts Inc. … named a Big All-City selection by The Oklahoman after finishing his senior season with 80 tackles, including 20 behind the line and six sacks in 10 games, despite being the subject of double teams for most of the year … a Class 6A first-team All-State selection by both OKPrepXtra.com and The Tulsa World following his senior season … totaled 104 tackles, including 16 for loss, five sacks and 22 hurries as a junior in 2006 for a Jaguar team that allowed just 11.2 points per game and finished the season 11-1 ... attended Texas Tech Football Camp prior to his senior year and bench pressed 225 pounds a reported 23 times … chose Tech over Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, New Mexico, and Oklahoma State.
Deveric Gallington
Offensive Lineman
6-4, 320
North Richland Hills, Texas (Richland HS)
A decorated offensive lineman who received first-team All-District 5-5A and second-team All-State Class 5A honors following his senior season at Richland, despite it being just his first on the offensive side of the ball … chosen as one of 88 players nationally to be invited to the annual Offense-Defense All-American Bowl, and started the game at right tackle for the West team … a second-team all-area selection on the Fort Worth Star Telegram’s Super Team for 2007 … also a Dallas Morning News All-Area second-team selection, rated the No. 2 offensive lineman and No. 24 overall player in the area by the publication … one of seven offensive linemen to be named to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal’s ‘Fabulous 44’, an annual listing of the top high school players in the state … given a three-star rating and ranked as the No. 24 guard prospect in the country by Rivals.com … appears as the No. 65 overall player on Rivals’ Texas Top 100 for 2008 … a three-star prospect according to Scout.com, listed as the No. 32 offensive guard in the nation … listed as the No. 64 overall recruit in the state on SuperPrep’s ‘Texas 110 for 2008’ … boasts a reported bench press of 400 pounds and a squat of 600 … contributed as a member of the Richland varsity basketball team following his final football season … chose Tech over Arizona, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, Purdue, Utah and Washington St.
Ryan Haliburton
Defensive End
6-4, 234
Wolfforth, Texas (Frenship HS)
Local product and three-year starter at defensive end for Frenship teams that collected a 35-8 record during his high school career … helped anchor a Tiger defense that yielded an average of just 15.5 points per game his senior year, posting two shutouts and holding opponents to 10 points or fewer on five occasions … an Associated Press Class 4A All-State honorable mention choice in 2007 after totaling 67 tackles, including nine for loss, seven sacks, and 29 quarterback hurries … also named first-team All-District 4-4A following his senior season … a member of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal’s Class 4A/5A All South Plains team in 2007 … rated a three-star prospect and ranked the No. 30 strongside defensive end in the nation by Rivals.com … also the No. 94 overall player in the state on Rivals’ Texas Top 100 for 2008 … received a three-star rating from Scout.com and is listed as the No. 56 overall defensive end in the nation by the recruiting service … ranked as the No. 79 overall player in the state on SuperPrep’s ‘Texas 110 for 2008’ … attended Texas Tech Football Camp prior to both his junior and senior seasons … chose Tech over offers from Houston, Kansas State, Northwestern, Oklahoma State and Purdue.
Harrison Jeffers
Running Back
5-9, 210
Lawton, Oklahoma (Eisenhower HS)
An explosive ball carrier with impressive speed, he rushed for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns on only 164 carries, and caught 42 passes for 489 yards as a senior for the Eagles … regarded as a four-star prospect and the No. 1 running back, and No. 4 overall player in the state on Rivals.com’s Oklahoma Top 25 for 2008 … also ranked the No. 11 overall all-purpose back in the nation by Rivals … a three-star player listed as the No. 44 running back in the country by Scout.com … listed as the No. 59 recruit on SuperPrep’s ‘Midlands 86 for 2008’, a region that encompasses 11 states … represented the West team in the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State football game … named to the 2007 OKPrepXtra.com Class 6A All-State First-Team … led all players in Class 6A his junior year, gaining over 1,800 yards on the ground (2,069 yards from scrimmage) and finishing with 17 total touchdowns … also a standout in track, he holds a reported personal-best of 10.28 in the 100m and 21.56 in the 200m … chose Tech over Kansas State, Oklahoma State, SMU and Wyoming.
Joe King
Offensive Lineman
6-6, 297
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Putnam City North HS)
A strong player with an imposing frame, he seems to fit the physical mold for an offensive lineman at Texas Tech … rated as a three-star prospect and the No. 2 offensive lineman and No. 15 overall player in the state on Rivals.com’s Oklahoma Top 25 for 2008 … also listed as the No. 79 offensive tackle recruit in the nation by Rivals … ranked the No. 98 offensive tackle nationally by Scout.com … a member of the 2007 OKPrepXtra.com Class 6A All-State First-Team … started at tackle for a Panther offense that averaged 23 points per game and propelled North to an 8-3 record and a berth in the Class 6A state playoffs in 2007 … given an overall grade of 88 by the coaching staff his senior year … a second-team All-State selection by The Tulsa World following his senior season … participated in the Los Angeles NIKE Training Camp last April and was praised by camp coaches and observers for his performance in one-on-one drills against some of the top defensive line prospects on the west coast …for season chose Tech over Iowa State.
Broderick Marshall
Defensive Lineman
6-5, 280
Tyler, Texas (McCallum HS/Tyler Junior College)
Initially a member of Texas Tech’s 2006 signing class, his size makes him a candidate to play either defensive end or tackle for the Red Raiders … totaled 43 tackles (16 solo) two behind the line, and one and a half sacks, earning first-team All-Southwest Junior College Conference honors following his sophomore season at Tyler in 2007 … a four-star prospect and the No. 7 junior college defensive tackle prospect in the nation according to Scout.com … rated a three-star player and the No. 83 overall prospect on Rivals.com’s Junior College Top 100 for 2008 … also the No. 91 overall player on the SuperPrep ‘JUCO 100 for 2008’ … was the District 25-4A Defensive MVP as a high school senior in 2005, finishing with 47 tackles, three sacks, four forced fumbles and three pass break-ups on a McCallum defense that held opponents to just 14.9 points per game … originally chose Tech over offers from Arizona, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma State coming out of high school in 2006.
Terry McDaniel
Offensive Lineman
6-7, 330
Diana, Texas (New Diana HS)
A massive high school prospect with rare versatility, he was named first-team All-District 18-2A as both an offensive and defensive linemen following his senior season at New Diana … earned Associated Press second-team Class 2A All-State honors after totaling an impressive 72 pancakes and 43 knockdowns on offense and adding 96 tackles on defense during his final prep campaign … noted for not having given up a sack during his high school career in what amounted to more than 430 pass attempts … tallied 306 tackles, including 45 for loss, and 10 sacks over the course of his three varsity seasons on defense for the Eagles … also a second-team All-State selection on the offensive line following his junior season … named first-team All-East Texas by the Longview News-Journal on both offense and defense following his junior and senior seasons … chosen to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal’s ‘Top 100’ for 2008 … regarded as a three-star player and listed as the No. 71 offensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com … ranked as the No. 36 offensive tackle prospect in the country by the ESPN Scouts Inc. …also received a three-star rating from Scout.com and is ranked by the recruiting service as the No. 55 tackle nationally … attended Texas Tech Football Camp prior to his senior year … chose Tech over Arizona, Colorado, Kansas State, LSU and Oklahoma State.
Brandon Reid
Athlete
6-2, 208
El Paso, Texas (Canutillo HS)
One of the top running backs in the west Texas region, he will make the transition to linebacker at the collegiate level for the Red Raiders … rushed for just over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior, helping his Canutillo team to a 10-2 record and a berth in the second round of the Class 4A state playoffs … named an honorable mention All-City selection by The El Paso Times in 2007… totaled more than 2,500 yards and scored 21 touchdowns on the ground during his three years on the varsity for the Eagles … a second-team All-District 2-4A selection following his senior season … given a three-star rating and ranked as the No. 88 athlete in the country by Rivals.com … also appeared at cornerback, linebacker and safety during his prep career … chose Tech over Arkansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas A&M and UTEP.
Jarrell Routt
Defensive Back
6-0, 205
Coffeyville, Kansas (Texas City HS/Coffeyville Community College)
A developing prospect with impressive speed, he could begin contributing immediately on special teams at the collegiate level … a three-star player according to Rivals.com, he’s clocked as low as a reported 4.33 seconds in the 40-yard dash … originally signed with Tech out of high school in 2006, and was placed by the coaching staff at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas … redshirted during his first year of junior college and now has three years to play three for the Red Raiders … was also a member of the Coffeyville track team and served as the first leg on a Red Raven 4X100 relay team that qualified for both the indoor and outdoor national meets his freshman year … a Class 4A All-State honorable mention selection following his senior season at Texas City, where he appeared at corner, wide receiver and running back for the Stingarees … a second-team all-district pick as a junior in high school, playing both receiver and defensive back for head coach Tim Finn … originally chose Tech over offers from Arkansas State, Iowa State, and Mississippi.
Brandon SeSay
Defensive End
6-6, 273
Atlanta, Georgia (Douglass HS/College of the Sequoias)
The premier defensive prospect to have signed with Texas Tech during the Mike Leach era … a dominating pass rusher with tremendous size and strength, he appears primed to make an instant impact at the Division I level … rated a four-star prospect and the No. 10 overall player on Rivals.com’s Junior College Top 50 for 2008 … also listed as a four-star prospect and the No. 6 junior college defensive end by Scout.com … registered 28 tackles (23 solo) including seven for loss and four sacks in six games for Sequoias in 2007 … racked up 63 tackles and an impressive 12 sacks in eight games as a freshman in 2006 at Northwest Community College in Mississippi … originally signed with Georgia out of high school in 2005 after totaling 50 tackles, including 15 for loss, 17.5 sacks, 24 hurries and eight forced fumbles as a senior at Douglass … a member of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 following his final prep season … was ranked as the No. 3 defensive lineman and 10 overall player in the state on Rivals’ Georgia Top 40 for 2005 … reportedly received over 70 written scholarship offers during his final junior college season … has two years to play two … chose Tech over California, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Michigan, Oregon, and Tennessee amongst others.
