Texas Tech has picked up four total defensive backs so far for the 2017 class. While the number may signal that they are full, the plan for Gibbs and Co. has been to take six DBs for 2017. With two slots still open, Gibbs and the rest of the defensive staff can be more selective in filling their final two spots.
One name that has popped back up on the coaches' radar is Katy (TX) Cinco Ranch safety Ben Mathiasmeier. Mathiasmeier camped with Tech last summer in Lubbock and performed well enough to gain Coach Gibbs and Coach Morris’ interest. They stayed in contact here and there, but a recent performance at Tech’s Houston camp put Mathiasmeier back on their radar in a big way.
“At their camp, I competed real well in the one-on-ones and even had a pick six. He’s seen my film, too, so he knows I am good at the run fit. I know he just really likes my game and my athleticism.”
Gibbs immediately contacted Mathiasmeier following the camp and was already talking about the chance for the safety prospect to pick up an offer.
“Gibbs had been telling me that I am definitely offerable. He was saying he will have six defensive back slots open, and I know they have four taken right now and have two more open. He definitely considers me offerable.
“Gibbs says my height is a little bit of a factor. If I was 6-foot-2, I’d already have an offer from Tech. It is what it is, though. From having watched me at two camps, he is one of those coaches who notices my football instincts, my coverage ability, and my ability to go up and get the ball. He keeps telling me how much he likes me.”
Mathiasmeier’s recruitment to Tech is interesting for two reasons.
Reason one? Despite Gibbs wanting Mathiasmeier at safety, offensive coordinator Eric Morris sees potential for Mathiasmeier to make it as a slot receiver, too.
“Morris tells me to keep working and that if something doesn’t work out at defensive back, I could definitely have a fit at slot receiver. Coach Morris was telling me how he didn’t receive a scholarship until the last week of his senior year. He tells me to keep working and says I definitely have the ability to play there.”
Reason two? Mathiasmeier has the scarlet and black genes running through his veins as his dad, Tom Mathiasmeier, played football at Texas Tech. The elder Mathiasmeier started at defensive end in 1988 and 1989 and was a team captain and academic All-American during his senior season.
Just like dad, Ben has a good chance to go play football at the division one level. Along with Texas Tech, Mathiasmeier hears from Rice, North Texas, Michigan State, SMU, and several Ivy League schools are looking at Mathiasmeier with the Cinco Ranch product recently getting back from an invite-only Notre Dame camp in South Bend.
After a 90-tackle and 15 pass break-up effort from last season (Earning him All-District second team honors), Mathiasmeier is ready to continue to improve his game and receive more interest. In regards to Tech, he is very interested and will remain patient.
“He (Gibbs) said it is all in a matter of time. He has some spots open, and he knows I can play. He has told me straight up that he knows I can play ball, he has said I don’t have to show him anything else. He just said it all comes down to when he pulls the trigger, if he is able to. He didn’t say when, but he has spots open, and I am definitely in consideration.”
