Graves shuts things down and commits to Red Raiders
After going through most of the start of the 2018 class with no defensive line commits, the Red Raiders snatched up two defensive linemen this past week alone. Houston (TX) Richmond Foster defensive end Cameron Valentine announced his commitment on Monday and Lancaster (TX) defensive lineman John Graves announced his decision on Wednesday evening.
Both recruits recently visited the South Plains and Graves enjoyed the visit so much, it didn’t take long for him to shut things down and commit just a week later.
“I had always liked Texas Tech and then when they offered me, it made me really happy. Then when I went on my unofficial visit, it just made me like the school even more. It really seemed like home to me.”
“Just going through it all with me and my family, it was the best decision for me overall. I have the opportunity to get there and play early, and I feel like I fit really well inside their scheme. I can see myself growing as a player while playing under coach Jamison. It just felt like the best place for me.”
Graves played most of his high school ball in Missouri but transferred into Lancaster right before spring ball started this past semester. After Dallas-area recruiter Emmett Jones was given a heads up about Graves and his abilities, the coaches visited Lancaster, liked what they saw and became the first school to offer the recruit.
Since then, Graves has built up a very strong relationship with both wide receivers Jones and his future defensive line coach, Terrance Jamison.
“Right now in high school, I have coaches that have my back and now I’m going to have another four years of coaches who have my back. That was really a big factor and maybe even the main reason I committed to Tech. I’m very close with the coaching staff, and I know that they have my back.”
Graves is commit number eight for the 2018 class.
His current 5.3 two-star rating aside, Graves possesses the size – 6-foot-3 and 270 pounds – and the ability – 70 tackles and five sacks last season – to be a solid addition to the Tech defense. The coaches are very excited about Graves’ ability and Graves is ready to go to work this year at Lancaster and when he gets to Lubbock.
“The big things they liked about me were that I can play either inside or outside. I’m a flexible defensive lineman. I’ve noticed the last few years that Texas Tech can score with anybody, they are a high-powered offense, but they need some help on defense. They need some more defensive guys in there. They told me that once they get more players like me, they could really be a top defensive team.”
“There are always plays to be made in the backfield, and I’m getting back there to make them. I’m playing inside tackle next year, so you won’t see the ball run up the middle or you won’t see a lot of plays to my side of the ball. I like to plug up the holes and then get after it.”
Graves currently holds offers from Memphis, Colorado State, UTSA, and New Mexico State among others. Graves is also receiving heavy interest from other Big 12 schools like Baylor, TCU, Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Kansas State, as many of these schools are taking a wait and see approach with Graves.
Even with the potential for more offers, Graves was more than happy to shut things down and commit to the Red Raiders.
“If more offers come, then they come. Texas Tech is still my highest school, my top school, the school I’m committed to. I’m looking for the best fit and the best decision for me and Texas Tech is that.”