JUCO tackle prospect talks new offer from Texas Tech

Texas Tech extended an offer to City College of San Francisco offensive lineman Robert Valencia on Tuesday evening.

With offensive line numbers slowly dwindling due to injuries and attrition, offensive line coach Lee Hays is working to mitigate the losses by pursuing some options from the JUCO ranks. Valencia has only been in contact with Texas Tech for about three to four weeks now, but on Tuesday evening was told to call coach Hays who promptly put him on the phone with the head coach.

“He was real enthusiastic when he extended the offer and said they were really interested in me. I’m the top of their list, and they are looking forward to getting me out there and meeting me.”

Valencia said that when Hays first made contact that the coach was going to take his time in studying him and making sure everything checked out with the 6-foot-6 tackle prospect. Three weeks later, Valencia now holds an offer.

“I think I showed that I’m a great athlete. At City College we flip our tackles, our sides, and they liked that too because I could play both sides. They really liked me athleticism and the way I go down the field. They like how I run block, and how I’m able to handle all kinds of situations.”

“I think I’m a pretty solid on both run and pass blocking, but I always believe that there is something to work on. There’s always something I can fix, but I feel like I’m am pretty solid in both areas. I also feel pretty comfortable at left or right tackle, I can play wherever they need me. Thanks to City College, I’ve been able to become very comfortable with either side.”

Valencia has two years to play two at the next level. He was very happy to pick up his first Power Five offer from the Red Raiders.

“I’m real excited about the offer and going to go play for a big name school, a Power Five. I know the conference is real competitive, and I know they are a real explosive offense. It is exciting to have the opportunity to go and play for Texas Tech.”

Valencia helped anchor an offense for City College this year that has averaged 511 yards of total offense – 215 rushing and 296 passing – and 30 points per game through nine games. Valencia has been watching Tech diligently since his first contact with Hays and is excited about the on-field opportunities that Tech offers and what he could bring to the table.

“Ever since I got the message that they were interested in me, I’ve been watching them on TV. I think I’d be a pretty good fit. I feel like I could create some holes, create more opportunities for their offense to run and pass the ball.”

Valencia is working to set up a visit following his junior college playoffs. He is a December graduate.