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Gatlin excited for a return close to home at Texas Tech

David Gibbs' defense added another piece last night as they picked up a preferred walk-on commitment from IMG Academy (FL) outside linebacker Case Gatlin. The two-star recruit announced his decision via Twitter. He said his parents being alumni of the school and the fact it is closer to his hometown than other offers played a major role in his decision.

"It's definitely closest to home and that's where my parents actually went and I really think they're going to take off soon. It was actually the first college campus I've ever visited with my parents. It was a while back, so I know they've upgraded some things. I've always been a Texas Tech fan."

"I think they're going to be on the uprise, definitely was happy seeing them beat Texas. I really do think they're going to take off soon," he added.

Gatlin said he has taken notice of the program's defensive turnaround.

"I really think it's going to keep on getting better and better each year."

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It is worth noting that Gatlin played his first three years of high school football at Boerne Champion before transferring to the IMG Academy for his senior year. The linebacker also previously committed to Virginia in April, but reopened his recruitment in early October.

The Boerne (TX) native mentioned he has communicated in the past with Tech coaches and their interest in him led him to commit.

"I've talked to defensive line coach Terrance Jamison. Right when I knew that they were interested in me, I committed. It was pretty quick."

The six-foot-four, 205 pound prospect also shared how he believes he will fit in with this defensive unit.

"I see myself being a floating inside linebacker to a rushing linebacker."

Gatlin said he will graduate early on December 20th and be in Lubbock by January 16th when the team begins to prepare for spring football.

"Texas Tech was the only preferred walk-on I would take," he said. "The other schools I was thinking of were New Mexico, Kansas, Colorado."

Gatlin chose the Red Raiders over offers from Fordham, Old Dominion, Virginia, Florida Atlantic, New Mexico, and UCF.

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