Former Missouri defensive end receives first offer from Texas Tech
Texas Tech has been active in their front seven recruiting over the past two weeks extending multiple offers across the defensive line and linebacker units. One of the more recent high school offers on the defensive line came to Lancaster (TX) defensive lineman John Graves.
Operating under the “must see in person” approach that allows the Tech coaches an opportunity to truly scout a recruit from his actual size to the way he practices and so on, defensive line coach Terrance Jamison visited Lancaster for spring ball to see Graves. Jamison saw exactly what he needed and became the first Division 1 school to extend an offer to Graves.
“He was explaining to me that he liked me because when he sees certain players, sometimes you get the feeling that they have something inside of them and that they can be something when they get to college and further on. He really liked the way I got off the ball, how explosive I was, and how I play to the end on every play.”
“I can use my hands and play multiple positions. I can play right or left defensive tackle, I can play nose, I can play either defensive end positions. I explode off the ball and use my hands well. I really think that got coach Jamison excited. I keep play and keep playing and keep playing. I have a high motor.”
Graves, who spent the last three years playing in Missouri, transferred to Lancaster less than two months ago and will be getting his first taste of Texas high school football this Fall. Due to wide receiver coach Emmett Jones’ relationship among the Dallas high school coaches, Jones was given a heads up about Graves from the Lancaster coaches.
“My high school head coach knows a few of the coaches at Texas Tech. I know the Tech coaches have a good relationship here at Lancaster. I think they just gave the Tech coaches a heads up about me and that’s what started the contact and now I have an offer.”
Even though he is new to Texas, Graves has a lot of things that catch his attention in regards to Tech.
“I know a little bit about the school, and I’ve been researching them more and more lately. I like the facilities a lot and all the new additions. They have really really good fans with a great game atmosphere.”
Graves is also pretty clear about what he wants from a future college and is happy about the relationship he has built up so far with coach Jamison.
“I just want a coaching staff that can take me to the next level and can make me a better man and at the same time a better football player. I want to go to a university where I can be an impact player.”
“I’ve built a good relationship with coach Jamison. He is a good man and a good coach. I can tell by just being around him and talking to him that he is a fiery guy and coach. He really just wants to make everyone better. I like that.”
At 6-foot-3, and 270 pounds, it will only be a matter of time before more offers roll in for Graves. Along with Tech, he is hearing from TCU, SMU, Texas, Memphis, and Houston pretty consistently. He recorded 70 tackles and five sacks last season.