Countdown to National Signing Day: Texas Tech Red Raiders

[caption id="attachment_21513" align="alignright" width="200"]Photo by John Hamilton Photo by John Hamilton[/caption] National Signing Day is Feb. 3. We’ll take a look at each recruiting class from the 12 FBS football programs in Texas as the day approaches. Texas TechRivals.com rank: 38^thOverview Texas Tech’s 2016 recruiting class is the definition of balance. Kliff Kingsbury holds 26 commitments, with two of those, both wide receivers, already on campus. Two four stars – wide receivers Derrick Willies from Trinity Valley C.C. and T.J. Vasher from Wichita Falls Rider High School – headline a class that includes 18 three-star commitments. While wide receiver may have the name value, Texas Tech is putting together a very strong defensive class. It is no secret that defense is the consistent downfall of the Red Raider football program and Kingsbury is attempting to build up depth in 2016. Fifteen of the 26 current commitments play defense. The numbers are spread out nicely. Kingsbury’s class currently includes three defensive backs, four defensive ends, four defensive tackles and four linebackers. Strengths The wide receiver position jumps out when reviewing the Texas Tech class. Willies, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound JUCO transfer, will be an instant contributor in the passing game. He’s a proven commodity at the college ranks with the ability to make catches over the middle and stretch a defense. His build makes him a target on third down and in the red zone. Vasher, also a four-star wide receiver, has many of the same attributes. He’s 6-foot-5 and can jump. Both of those guys are matchup problems. The linebacker position is also strong. All four commitments are three-star recruits, according to Rivals.com. Jordyn Brooks of Stratford High School is the biggest of the bunch. Kevin Moore, Brayden Stringer and Johnathan Picone are very good in space. Needs With 26 commitments, Texas Tech doesn’t have many needs. The coaching staff is spending more time keeping the class together than it is perusing more commitments. The Red Raiders have their quarterback in Mansfield Lake Ridge’s Jett Duffey, four offensive linemen, two running backs and four wide receivers to go with 15 defensive commits. Top Player Jett Duffey Jett Duffey did everything for a Lake Ridge team that reached the state championship. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound dual-threat showed he can do it all on the biggest stages in Texas high school football. With Patrick Mahomes firmly entrenched as the starter, Duffey will be allowed time to redshirt and learn the position before taking over. He’s a great athlete still learning the nuance of the quarterback position. He’ll get great tutelage in Lubbock.